New breakwater in Gdańsk also ensures Poland’s energy security

On March 17, 2025, at the Harbor Master’s Office of the Port of Gdańsk (Northern Port), an agreement was signed for the construction of a breakwater protecting the FSRU terminal, with an estimated cost of approximately PLN 800 million. This terminal will be used for the regasification of liquefied natural gas. According to the Maritime Office in Gdynia, the investment represents a significant step towards increasing Poland’s energy independence and developing port infrastructure.

What is a breakwater, and why is it built?

Breakwaters are hydrotechnical structures built in ports or open waters to protect shorelines, vessels, and infrastructure from the impact of sea waves and storms. They are typically made of concrete, stone, or steel elements. These structures act as barriers, dispersing wave energy and creating calmer conditions for docking ships and unloading cargo.

In Gdańsk, the new breakwater has particular importance as it will secure the FSRU terminal, which will receive ships transporting liquefied natural gas. Thanks to this investment, gas deliveries will be able to proceed efficiently, regardless of weather conditions in the Baltic Sea.

Beginning of a strategic investment

During the ceremony on March 17 in Gdańsk, the contract for the breakwater’s construction was signed by Anna Stelmaszyk-Świerczyńska, Director of the Maritime Office in Gdynia, and Małgorzata Winiarek-Gajewska, President of the Management Board of NDI SA – the company responsible for implementing the project.

Following the ceremony, a press conference was held with representatives of the government and companies involved in the project, including Arkadiusz Marchewka, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Sławomir Hinc, President of the Management Board of Gaz-System, and Dorota Pyć, President of the Management Board of the Port of Gdańsk Authority SA.

Why is this investment so important?

The new breakwater, which will be 1,300 meters long, is a crucial element of the FSRU terminal infrastructure. Its role is to ensure the safe unloading and processing of gas, which will then be distributed to the national transmission network.

As Arkadiusz Marchewka emphasized: Ports are playing an increasingly significant role in ensuring the country’s security. This includes economic, military, and energy security. The implementation of this project strengthens our security because gas will be transported here via the Baltic Sea and then delivered through gas pipelines directly to the transmission system. It is our government’s role to support ambitious investments that guarantee security.

Stages of infrastructure development

The Maritime Office in Gdynia has been preparing the project since 2023 as part of a long-term program. By 2024, all necessary permits had been obtained, including an environmental decision and a building permit.

The investment includes the creation of an approach channel and navigational markings to ensure safe operations for LNG carriers at the Port of Gdańsk. Construction work on the breakwater and FSRU terminal will proceed simultaneously, with the first LNG carrier expected to dock between late 2027 and early 2028.

Anna Stelmaszyk-Świerczyńska stated: We have also selected the contractor, and today’s contract signing marks the conclusion of this process. The construction has been entrusted to experienced contractors, so I believe that the scheduled deadlines are not at risk.

Investment with the future in mind

The construction will be divided into phases, including site preparation, structure building, and integration with the port. The project will incorporate modern technologies to ensure durability and effectiveness, even under challenging weather conditions.

Małgorzata Winiarek-Gajewska emphasized: It is important for us to participate in the implementation of such strategic investments in our country. We are fully committed and will begin work soon.

The new investment will not only enhance the security of the LNG terminal but also strengthen the position of the Port of Gdańsk as one of the most important logistics hubs in the Baltic Sea.

Dorota Pyć noted: Every zloty spent on access and terminal infrastructure in Gdańsk pays off many times over. We are pleased that such a crucial investment, which contributes to Poland’s security, is becoming a reality.

The FSRU terminal will regasify approximately 6.1 billion cubic meters of gas annually, with the potential to increase capacity depending on demand. This represents nearly one-third of the country’s total gas consumption.

As Sławomir Hinc stated: The project opens up new energy perspectives. The new breakwater is not just a technical structure but a foundation for Poland’s stability for years to come.

Main image: Press Office – Port of Gdańsk