Polish Sea – the new government program for the Baltic

During the 11th edition of the International Maritime Congress in Szczecin, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the launch of the Polish Sea program, aimed at the repolonization and development of the maritime economy sector. What does this mean for the Baltic? The government promises investments in Pomerania and the revival of shipbuilding.

International Maritime Congress with a strong government presence

Held on May 15–16, the 11th International Maritime Congress in Szczecin gathered representatives of the maritime economy sector from across Europe. The most media attention, however, was drawn by Prime Minister Tusk’s speech, in which he used the Congress platform to announce the new Polish Sea program. The initiative is intended to serve as an umbrella for all current and planned government projects contributing to the creation of what is referred to as the “Great Pomerania.”

In addition to the prime minister, other speakers at the Congress included Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak, who focused on projects to build express ways improving access to Pomeranian ports, and Deputy Infrastructure Minister for maritime economy and inland navigation Arkadiusz Marchewka. Minister Marchewka announced the signing of an agreement allocating PLN 1.3 billion for a new program to finance the construction of ferries for Polish shipowners.

What is the Polish Sea program about?

Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared that the government’s priority is to strengthen the position of Pomerania in a way that enhances Poland’s role in the Baltic region.

We are thinking about how to manage this wonderful strip of land by the sea – this pride of Poland that stretches from my Gdańsk to your Szczecin – in a better, smarter, and more intensive way. (…) The idea is to make our Pomerania, this Great Pomerania, truly one of the most valuable jewels in the Polish crown, said the head of government.

The strategy of repolonizing the Baltic emphasizes the selection of Polish producers and suppliers in all key investment areas, regardless of price and competitive pressure from non-EU countries. This particularly applies to projects for the construction of large offshore wind farms and a nuclear power plant in Pomerania, both of which can be serviced by domestic companies.

The enormous potential of Polish ports and shipyards

In his speech, Prime Minister Tusk announced that by 2030, Baltic ports and container terminals would triple their output, securing Poland a dominant position. Already in 2024, a historic record was set for container transshipments – nearly 3.3 million TEUs, a 10% increase from the previous year. Net profits of Polish ports also rose by 26%.

However, the government has no intention of resting on its laurels and is promising further investments in port infrastructure. The current priority is the construction of a new container terminal in Szczecin, which, according to the prime minister, no one will block from us.

The prime minister also announced an increase in the use of Polish shipyards, which have been neglected for years. Currently, the construction of two educational and research vessels is planned to replace Dar Młodzieży and Nawigator XXI, the latter belonging to the Maritime University in Szczecin. The total cost of both investments is estimated at around PLN 1 billion. Additionally, the government is already building three ferries that will sail under the restored Polish flag.

It took over 20 years to be able to say with full voice and confidence: the Polish flag will return to Polish ships. So that Polish sailors, Polish shipowners, and Polish manufacturers can work, sail, and earn under the Polish flag, declared Donald Tusk.

The Prime Minister also linked the Polish Sea program with the Baltic Sentry initiative, a Baltic watch designed to ensure the safety of ships, infrastructure, and ports in the region.