2026 the Year of Gdynia. Poland’s maritime heart at the core of national memory and innovation

Molo węglowe w Gdyni. Fiński statek SS Bar? sund . Po lewej holownik bunkrowy Hala wrzesień 1935 roku / fot. Henryk Poddębski / Wikimedia / AP

Gdynia: the port of national aspirations

As emphasized in the Senate’s resolution, Gdynia stands as a “symbol of dynamic economic growth and modernity in Polish history.” The construction of an independent, modern seaport was a strategic objective of the Second Polish Republic following the nation’s rebirth in 1918. On September 23, 1922, the Polish Parliament passed the act authorizing the construction of the port in Gdynia, initiating the rapid transformation of a modest fishing village into a cornerstone of Poland’s maritime infrastructure.

Only four years later, in 1926, Gdynia was granted city rights. Within a decade, it evolved into one of Europe’s largest and most technologically advanced ports. By the 1930s, over 6,000 vessels called at Gdynia annually. The establishment of the State Maritime School further cemented the city’s role in shaping generations of professionals for Poland’s merchant navy.

Maritime DNA: economy and modernity intertwined

Today, Gdynia represents far more than a success story from the interwar period. It is a dynamic, modern port city integrating industry, logistics, maritime education, and cutting-edge technologies. Home to nearly 250,000 residents, Gdynia remains a vital node in Poland’s and Europe’s transportation and trade networks. Its seaport is among the most diversified in the Baltic Sea region, efficiently handling containers, bulk cargo, general cargo, and passenger traffic.

The Year of Gdynia is not merely a retrospective celebration. It is a forward-looking initiative — a platform to promote Poland’s maritime economy, reaffirm the strategic significance of its seaports, and underscore the need for sustained investment in infrastructure, innovation, and maritime education.

Why the year of Gdynia matters — beyond the centennial

This Senate designation recognizes Gdynia as a national symbol — a city that has consistently proven that Poland’s presence on the Baltic is more than geographical; it is strategic. The year 2026 offers the maritime industry an unparalleled opportunity to highlight its contributions, strengthen its voice in public and international discourse, and attract the next generation of maritime professionals.

As the Senate noted: “Let 2026 be a time to commemorate Gdynia’s exceptional history — and a catalyst for future creative development grounded in tradition and achievement.”

Gdynia: A City of the Future Anchored in Tradition

This centennial year is the perfect moment to rediscover Gdynia — a model of the modern European port city that has, for a century, merged maritime legacy with forward-thinking progress. For media, local governments, cultural institutions, maritime academies, and industry stakeholders, 2026 presents a unique opportunity to intensify efforts to showcase Gdynia’s potential on both the national and international stage.