TECoNaut: The “Forgotten” Yacht Set for a New Life – Here’s What the Interior Will Look Like | Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology at the Gdańsk University of Technology

As a TECoNaut project partner, Gdańsk University of Technology aims to show that sustainable sailing is about more than just modern materials and eco-friendly propulsion. It's also about giving a second life to boats that have been forgotten—whether left to deteriorate in marinas or abandoned behind someone’s home.

Thanks to the dedication of faculty and students from Gdańsk Tech (and beyond), along with support from the university and sponsors under the "Sailing at Gdańsk Tech" initiative, a full-scale renovation of MicroPolo is now underway.

Redesigning the Interior

Work is currently in progress on the yacht's new interior layout, developed as part of a bachelor’s thesis by Michał Warmiński, a design student at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk, under the supervision of Dr. Paweł Gełesz of the Institute of Naval Architecture.

The redesign is based on clarity, intuitive use, and simplicity of construction. The new interior will be built primarily from simple, single-axis-cut sheet materials—such as marine plywood or, preferably, recycled materials.

"The concept redefines the functional zones of the compact interior to improve crew comfort during short cruises. The tabletop will be raised above the centerboard casing and expanded; when unfolded, the right wing of the table will connect with the refrigerator housing, creating a spacious work surface. Seating will feature backrests integrated with open, easily accessible storage. The shelves will be made from recycled sails to highlight the yacht’s nautical character," explains Dr. Paweł Gełesz.

Additional features include segregated waste bins under the entry hatch and a light color palette throughout the cabin to help diffuse light and visually enlarge the space. The upholstery will also be made from repurposed materials.

The relaunch of the MicroPolo is planned for 2026.

Green Marine Construction

The TECoNaut project promotes the use of sustainable materials in yacht and boat building, developed with cutting-edge technology to support the ecological transformation of the maritime industry. It also aims to boost job opportunities in green marine construction.

The initiative brings together nautical companies and institutions from seven countries: Spain, France, Greece, Belgium, Germany, Turkey, and Poland (represented by Gdańsk University of Technology and Polboat).