Baltexpo 2025: three days charting the course for Poland’s maritime future

The International Maritime and Military Exhibition Baltexpo 2025 has opened in Gdańsk, confirming its status as one of Central Europe’s most significant events for the maritime and defense industries. Held across five halls of the AmberExpo exhibition center, this year’s edition has drawn around 300 exhibitors from 23 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and the United States. Organizers expect more than 10,000 participants over the three-day event.

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07 october 2025   |   22:08   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Kamil Kusier / Gazeta Morska

During the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Arkadiusz Marchewka emphasized the government’s continued commitment to developing the maritime economy.

- Baltexpo is where the entire maritime community comes together. It’s a space to discuss where we should be heading — and as a government, we’ve set a clear course for growth, he said.

Debates on security, strategy, and industry

The opening day featured a series of high-level debates addressing key strategic and industrial issues for the European and Polish maritime sectors.

• Maritime security as national security

The session “Maritime Security as National Security” focused on the critical role of naval forces and international cooperation in safeguarding state interests and critical infrastructure. Experts discussed modern naval modernization programs, NATO cooperation, and the integration of military, paramilitary, and civilian structures to create a coherent maritime security framework.

Participants included: Capt. (N) Dave Jones (Royal Navy), Rear Adm. Piotr Nieć (Command Task Force Baltic), Cdr. (ret.) Grzegorz Sowa – Deputy Director of Development at PGZ S.A., Øystein Bø – Ambassador of Norway to Poland, and Park Seongwoo, Vice President of Hanwha Ocean.

The debate concluded with recommendations aimed at improving coordination in maritime defense and protecting critical infrastructure within NATO and EU structures.

• EU maritime industrial strategy

A second key discussion focused on the forthcoming European Union Maritime Industrial Strategy, which coincides with the Polish and Danish EU Council Presidencies in 2025. Panelists explored how both countries can strengthen Europe’s shipbuilding and offshore sectors while advancing green and digital transformation.

Speakers included: Bjarke Wiehe Bøtcher – Director of International Affairs at Danish Maritime, Christophe Tytgat – Secretary General of SEA Europe / CESA, Dorota Pyć – CEO of the Port of Gdańsk Authority, and Dariusz Jellonek – Director of the Shipping and Maritime Practice Department at the Maritime University of Gdynia.

The session highlighted that the new EU strategy represents a unique opportunity to revitalize Europe’s maritime manufacturing base and enhance competitiveness against Asian markets.

• The “Miecznik” program – a turning point for Polish industry

Another major topic was the “Miecznik” (Swordfish) program – one of the most ambitious naval modernization efforts in the history of the Polish Armed Forces.
Panelists stressed that the project’s importance extends beyond defense capabilities, offering long-term benefits for Polish shipyards, engineering firms, and technology suppliers.

Among the speakers were: Beata Koniarska – Board Member, PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, Daniel Okruciński – Crist S.A., Magdalena Nizik – Country Director, Thales Polska, Piotr Gosch – NDI S.A., Piotr Jaszczura – Program Director for Miecznik at PGZ S.A., and Samuel Barton – Director at Babcock International Group.

The panel underscored that Miecznik is not only modernizing Poland’s fleet but also boosting industrial capacity and international competitiveness.

Record growth in ports and offshore investments

Poland’s maritime economy continues to expand rapidly. In 2024, national ports handled a record 3.3 million TEU and generated over PLN 500 million in net profit. Taxes and levies from port operations contributed around PLN 56 billion to the state budget.

The government is also investing heavily in offshore energy infrastructure. Projects include a PLN 900 million offshore wind installation terminal in Gdańsk and a network of service ports in Ustka, Łeba, and Darłowo – part of the National Recovery Plan worth more than PLN 1.5 billion.

Additionally, the FSRU terminal in the Gulf of Gdańsk is under construction. Once operational, it will cover up to 30% of Poland’s natural gas demand, further enhancing the country’s energy independence.

Gdańsk: a hub for maritime policy and cooperation

Mayor Aleksandra Dulkiewicz welcomed participants, emphasizing the city’s long-term commitment to maritime development.

- Baltexpo’s importance grows year after year. It’s not only about the economy — it’s about cooperation, security, and strategic decision-making that impacts both Poland and Europe, she said.

The event also included sessions on Polish–Ukrainian cooperation in coastal and port regions, reflecting Gdańsk’s active role in supporting European maritime solidarity.

Public day: learning about safety at sea and ashore

Although Baltexpo is primarily a trade event, Thursday, October 9, will be open to the public. The Safety Day program includes practical workshops on crisis preparedness — from extreme weather and industrial failures to cyber and military threats. Visitors will learn how to recognize alarm signals, prepare an emergency “go bag,” offer first aid, and secure their homes and families in crisis situations.

Baltexpo 2025 – a platform for growth, security, and innovation

This year’s Baltexpo demonstrates how closely Poland’s maritime industry, defense sector, and energy transformation are now intertwined. From naval modernization and offshore energy to international cooperation, the message from Gdańsk is clear:

Poland’s maritime economy is steering full speed toward a future built on innovation, security, and global partnership.

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