Stocznia Gdańska in Poland (also known as Stocznia Cesarska and the Lenin Yard) was the scene of one of the most important political movements and some of the most significant events of the 20th century. Under Lech Wałęsa's leadership, the Solidarność trade union became a powerful force that was, in many ways, the beginning to the end of communist Europe.
The shipyard was founded as "The Imperial Shipyard" (Königliche Werft Danzig) in 1852. At that time, Gdańsk was under Prussian rule (and thus called Danzig).
Gdańsk Shipyard was founded in 1946 as a state-owned company by the Polish People´s Republic, on sites of the former German shipyards
In 1980, Gdańsk was the arena for events that marked the beginning of organized resistance to Communist dictatorship in the Soviet Union and Soviet controlled countries in eastern and central Europe. A strike by 17,000 ship builders saw Solidarność, led by shipyard electrician Lech Wałęsa. Solidarność was the first non-Communist trade union in the Soviet controlled Europe. The move was one of the first successful steps in a campaign of civil resistance that contributed to the eventual collapse of Communism across eastern and central Europe.
In 1990 – as the communist Polish Workers Republic was dismantled, the state-owned Stocznia Gdańska became a joint stock company with 61% in National Treasury shares and 31% owned by employees. Since then, Gdańsk Shipyard has operated as Stocznia Gdańsk S.A.
At Stocznia Gdańska, ship production is still carried out, although it cannot be compared to the time when the yard was at its peak. Gdańsk shipyards have faced hard times. Once a place of work for over 20,000 people, the Gdańsk shipyards employ 2,200 workers today. The European Union has backed a restructuring plan for the shipyard.
About 77 companies now operate on the grounds of the shipyards, including GSG Towers, which builds steel towers for wind turbines. In addition to the construction of ships and wind turbines, the shipyard area is characterized by cultural scenes, catering establishments and artistic activities. Both multimedia musician Jean Michel Jarre and guitarist for Pink Floyd, David Gilmour have performed concerts at Stocznia Gdańska .
Stocznia Gdańska. ©Bjørn Joachimsen.
Stocznia Gdańska. ©Bjørn Joachimsen.