Port Gdańsk: dynamic development vs declines

The port of Gdańsk in the first half of 2024 showed a dynamic development in the areas of handling liquid fuels and containers, while recording decreases in the coal sector. Despite challenges, the port continues its ambitious investment in infrastructure, preparing for further growth and adaptation to changing market conditions.

In this context, in addition to the analysis of the overall results, our editorial board decided to explore the subject by sending additional questions to the Board of the Maritime Port of Gdańsk in order to obtain more detailed information on the key activities of the port.

Increase in transshipment of liquid fuels and generals

W In the first half of 2024, the handling of liquid fuels in Port Gdańsk amounted to 20.1 million tonnes, an increase of nearly 10% compared to the same period last year. This increase is largely due to Naftoport, which served 253 oil tankers and overcharged 19.8 million tonnes of oil and oil products. Transhipments of general cargo, including mainly containers, increased by 4.5%, reaching 11.6 million tonnes. It is worth noting that Baltic Hub, the largest container terminal in the Baltic Sea, overcharged over 1 million TEU, which is an impressive result given the ongoing investments.

In response to my question about the development strategy of these sectors, the President of the Board of the Maritime Port of Gdańsk, Dorota Peć, pointed to numerous infrastructure investments that contributed to these successes. Among them she mentioned the modernisation of the waterfront, the expansion of the road and rail network, and the development of parking infrastructure, which is crucial for the handling of cereals. The increase in handling capacity is also supported by modern equipment for bulk storage. Work on the expansion of the Baltic Hub container terminal, including the construction of a new T3 wharf, aims to further increase the capacity of handling capacity by 1.5 million TEU. Additionally, preparations are underway for the expansion of the Naftoport liquid fuel terminal, which is expected to increase its operational capacity.

Forecasts for the second half of the year are optimistic, especially in the fuel and container sectors. However, the President pointed out that the situation in the cereals handling sector may be more uncertain, which will require monitoring of market conditions and an appropriate response from the port.

Carbon handling decline

W In the first half of 2024, coal handling in Port Gdańsk amounted to only 3.3 million tonnes, which represents a 62% decrease compared to the same period last year. The main reason for this decline is the decision of the Ministry of Industry to block imports of coal from abroad, which significantly reduced the influx of this raw material into Poland. According to Dorota Peć, port management expects that the current year will end with a much lower result than in record years, but at the same time close to the level of a few years ago, when annual coal handlings were 4,5-7 million tonnes.

The port of Gdańsk, as a multifunctional port, is prepared to adapt to changing market conditions. Despite the decline in coal handling, the multi-purpose wharf at the Internal Port is ready to handle a variety of loads, allowing flexible management of the warehouse space and port resources. The expected further declines in coal handling can be compensated for by the increase in the handling of other goods, as the port is already observing.

Infrastructure investments

Infrastructural investments are a key element of the development strategy of the Port of Gdańsk to support further growth of transhipments. Among the most important projects is the expansion of Baltic Hub container terminal with new quay T3 to increase terminal capacity by 1.5 million TEU per year. Work on this project is advanced in 60%, and the full completion of the investment is planned at the end of 2025. New quay and component squares will be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including 7 STS waterfront cranes and 20 RMG semi-automatic square cranes, which will enable even more efficient handling.

The plans also include the construction of the T5 terminal, which will serve as an installation base for offshore wind farms. This investment, to be implemented by 2027, will cover more than 20 additional hectares of land and will contribute to the development of wind energy in Poland. The offshore terminal, which is part of the construction of the energy centre in Gdańsk, will bring a new cargo group to the port and strengthen its position as a key player in the region.

Regardless of the implementation of large terminal projects, The President stressed the importance of access infrastructure, including the expansion of the road and rail network leading to the port. In particular, she highlighted the need to build a second railway bridge, which would increase competitiveness and supply chain security. This type of investment is crucial not only for the transshipment results but also for the energy and military security of our country.

Conclusions

The port of Gdańsk in the first half of 2024, despite the challenges of coal imports, demonstrated the ability to adapt and continue development. Thanks to strategic investments in infrastructure, the port is prepared for further increases in the fuel, general and container sectors, as well as the adoption of new cargo groups such as components for offshore wind farms. The future of the port, as indicated by the Port Board, is promising, with many projects aimed at strengthening its position as a key logistics hub in the Baltic Sea region.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz