From Gdańsk towards the future. Baltic ports set strategic course for regional maritime cooperation

The Baltic Ports Conference 2025, hosted this year by the Port of Gdańsk in partnership with the Baltic Ports Organization (BPO), gathered key decision-makers and maritime sector leaders to define strategic directions for regional port cooperation in the Baltic Sea basin. The event took place from October 6–8 during the 23rd International Maritime and Military Fair Baltexpo 2025.

Kamil Kusier executive editor 10.10.2025, 11:50 Reading time: 2 min

Aerial view of a container terminal with rows of containers and a CMA CGM ship at berth — fot. Port Gdańsk

In brief

Baltic Ports Conference 2025 was held from 6 to 8 October in Gdańsk as part of the 23rd BALTEXPO 2025 International Maritime and Military Fair, organised by the Baltic Ports Organization in cooperation with the Port of Gdańsk. Alan Aleksandrowicz, vice president for finance and security of the Port of Gdańsk Authority, became the new chairman of the Baltic Ports Organization, replacing Kimmo Naski, who led the organisation from 2018 to 2025. A memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority and the Baltic Ports Organization. The next conference will take place at the Port of Turku from 2 to 4 September 2026.

As one of the most influential annual forums for the maritime logistics community, the conference provided a high-level platform to address the future of ports amid energy transition, digital transformation and emerging geopolitical challenges.

Ports in transition – innovation, green technologies and digital resilience

The opening sessions, moderated by industry representatives including Bogdan Ołdakowski and Przemek Myszka, focused on the evolving role of Baltic ports as strategic logistics hubs in Europe. Key themes included:

accelerating green transformation through investments in low-emission technologies and port decarbonisation initiatives,
financial and regulatory frameworks enabling sustainable port development,
digitalization of maritime logistics and port operations to enhance competitiveness and efficiency.

A major highlight was the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) and BPO, reinforcing regional solidarity and collaboration in a time of geopolitical uncertainty.

Leadership transition at BPO

During the BPO General Assembly, Alan Aleksandrowicz, Vice President for Finance and Security at the Port of Gdańsk Authority, was elected as the new chairman of the Baltic Ports Organization, succeeding Kimmo Naski, who had held the position since 2018.

Networking events, including the traditional Salmon Evening, facilitated direct dialogue and strategic conversations among port executives, terminal operators and maritime industry stakeholders.

Security and operational resilience in focus

The second day of sessions centred on port security and resilience in the face of global risks and increased military mobility requirements in the region. Experts addressed:

risk management and continuity strategies for critical port infrastructure,
modern VTS systems and maritime safety frameworks,
cross-border operational coordination during crisis scenarios.

In a symbolic ceremony, the BPO flag was officially handed over to Port of Turku, which will host the Baltic Ports Conference 2026 from 2–4 September.

Port of Gdańsk showcases dynamic growth

The conference concluded with a technical tour of the Port of Gdańsk, offering participants first-hand insight into one of Europe’s fastest-growing maritime logistics platforms and its ongoing expansion projects.

The Baltic Ports Conference continues to stand as the flagship annual event of BPO, driving forward strategic dialogue, innovation exchange and collaborative development among Baltic Sea ports.

Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier