One of the most valuable monuments of the Kngdom of Norway – Norway’s best preserved sealing vessel  Polarstar (MS Polsjerna)– will undergo repair at MSR Gryfia Yard in Szczecin.  

The vessel was built in 1949 in Glasgow and was originally used to cath seals. The vessel had 33 seasons in the ice and brought home nearly 100 000 seal skins from hunting grounds near Greenland and the White Sea. In subsequent years of service, the ship was used to transport goods outside the Arctic Circle and also participated in scientific expeditions.

The characteristic feature of the ship is steel and partially riveted hull and wooden decks. The vessel is 46 m long and 8 m wide.  

Presently vessel is undergoing the reconstruction. Most of works are performed under the supervision by the Norwegian Restorer and Norwegian Maritime Authority. MSR Gryfia Yard is responsible for performing standard dock repair onboard. The unit's stay in the yard is scheduled for about two weeks.

Put in a protective glass house in 2003, the boat can now be admired as a one of the monument in Tromsø University Museum. Visitors can enter the historic vessel and use an audio guide to hear stories about sealing based on Polstjerna.