Future of shipbuilding hangs on UOKiK decision

The State Treasury has claimed that a positive evaluation from the Office for Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) concerning restructuring and public aid for the Gdynia Shipyard (GS) would be a door-opener to the sector's consolidation. UOKiK has been analyzing the case since Friday, and the decision will be made public today. "We are expecting a positive decision, as this is the only way to save the sector," said Tadeusz Soroka, the deputy Treasury Minister responsible for the shipbuilding industry. According to Soroka, the consolidation should involve GS and the New Szczecin Shipyard, as well as those plants cooperating with them - i.e. H. Cegielski, producing ship engines, and the Częstochowa Steel mill. Soroka added that other plants might also join the group in the near future. The idea of consolidating the sector is not new, however this is the first time Częstochowa Steel mill has played a significant role in the project. (Puls Biznesu, p. 6) A.K .