The port of Gdańsk and the port of Thessaloniki have concluded a cooperation agreement

As part of their efforts to strengthen Gdańsk's position on the Via Carpatia route, two key European ports – Port Gdańsk and Port Thessaloniki – set out new lines of cooperation that are intended to shape the future of trade and transport in the region.

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This initiative, supported by Artur Lompart, Ambassador of Poland to Greece, and representatives from the Ministry of Infrastructure, was sealed with the signing of a joint agreement. Its goal is not only to develop and exchange experience and knowledge between ports, but also to increase freight transport capacity within Via Carpatia, which is a communication bridge between both countries.

The delegation from Gdańsk, during its stay in Greece, met with representatives of the Port of Thessaloniki, the authorities of the Central Region of Macedonia and academics from Aristotle University. The discussions focused on exchanging experiences in the context of Via Carpatia and the Tri-Mortal Initiative, to which Greece has recently joined. Particular emphasis has been placed on the potential of creating a connection between Via Carpatia and Polish ports, stressing its importance for efficient transport between Greece and Poland.

Marek Grobarczyk, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, stressed the importance of the new corridor: "This strategic connection from the south to the north of Europe, which will run from Klaipeda and Kowna in Lithuania, through Polish cities such as Białystok and Lublin, to the Greek Thessaloniki on the Aegean Sea. The implementation of this route will significantly increase the attractiveness of the region for investors".

At Thessalonika International Fair (TIF), a leading trade event in South-East Europe, gathering around 1,500 exhibitors and attracting more than 200,000 visitors from different corners of the globe, there was a significant moment for European port cooperation. On 9 September, representing Poland, Łukasz Malinowski, President of the Board of the Maritime Port of Gdańsk, and from the Greek side Thanos Liagkos, President and Managing Director of Port of Thessaloniki, signed a contract to strengthen business ties between ports. The key objective is to promote innovation as an integral part of business with different economic operators.

During the signing ceremony, Łukasz Malinowski stressed the importance of this step for Europe's regions: "The accession of Greece to the Tri-Morning Initiative is a crucial moment for strengthening political and economic ties between Central and Eastern Europe. The concluded agreement between our ports opens the door to more efficient logistics, which will naturally contribute to the growth of freight trade in our regions. Via Carpatii, connecting Gdańsk and other Polish ports with Greece, will provide new transport routes that will strengthen integration and stimulate the development of both areas connected by this strategic route".

The port in Gdańsk has not only a unique location, but also a number of other assets. These include modern handling terminals, efficient access infrastructure and a wide range of shipping connections. In addition, the Gdańsk base is an undisputed leader in the Baltic region for container handling.

During the meeting, Thanos Liagkos stressed the value of cooperation between the two ports: "To enter such a partnership gives us an opportunity to share knowledge and practice in many aspects. The mutual synergies that we will create will speed up the development of both sides and will help to achieve common objectives, both at local, national and EU initiatives. It is important that we act in agreement and speak with one voice, as the success of our ports translates directly into the development of our regions."

Building Bridges between Gdańsk and Thessaloniki

The delegation of Port Gdańsk had the opportunity to participate in a business session at Port Thessaloniki. Tomasz Braun, responsible for the strategy at ZMPG SA, presented the possibilities and potential of Polish ports. Visitors from Poland met with interest and recognition for the results achieved by Port Gdańsk, its competitive advantages and dynamic development.

The next day they visited Aristotle University, where they met with experts working on the project "Via Carpatia". Prof. Grigorios Zarotiadis stressed how crucial academic research is for development projects, especially for as complicated as transport initiatives.

Port Thessaloniki is one of the leading transhipment sites in Greece and a key port in the Aegean Sea with an impressive annual capacity of 16 million tonnes. Companies using port services include such giants as BULCON, CMA/CGM, Conship, Ecu-Line, Empros and many more.

Łukasz Malinowski, President of the Port of Gdańsk, enthusiastically commented on the prospects of this cooperation: "Via Carpatia offers us great opportunities. If the initiative starts in Thessaloniki, Poland should be a key element, also from a business point of view. This can contribute to establishing new transoceanic relationships that are crucial to our ports. In Gdańsk, they regularly dock the largest container ships in the world with a capacity of almost 24 thousand TEU, belonging to world leaders of the shipping industry. In the area of transhipment in the Baltic Sea we are a strong player, taking second place in the region".

New Horizons of Polish-Greek Cooperation

The significant role of the Polish-Greek Chamber of Commerce, led by its President, Jerzy Athanasis, was the key to the activation of the Greek activities of Polish seaports. However, the culminating moment of the stay of representatives of the Port of Gdańsk in Thessaloniki was a seminar called "Connecting the Future: DISCOVER BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN POLAND". It was organized by the Polish Embassy in Athens, in cooperation with the Polish-Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the University of Aristotle.

Prof. Grigorios Zarotiadis, an outstanding scholar from Aristotle University, opened the first segment of the seminar focused on "Via Carpatia – an opportunity for Polish and Greek ports". His speech focused on the presentation of the Via Carpatia project as an opportunity to connect Central and Eastern Europe. He stressed that it was not only about communication, but also about cultural exchanges and experiences that would contribute to the development of both countries, as well as other countries within the scope of this corridor.

Later there was time for presentations of Polish ports, which aimed to present a business offer. During these presentations, key achievements and planned infrastructure investments were discussed.

Mariusz Wdowczyk, head of Port Gdański Operation, stressed the importance of Gdańsk as a transport hub: "We are not just a place of transshipment. We act as an international partner for companies that look further than the borders of our port. Our cooperation means real prospects for their development. We believe that the potential of Via Carpatia will convince you to establish closer cooperation with Gdańsk, which will be beneficial for both parties".

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz/Port Gdańsk