Poland advances integration with NATO fuel pipeline system. Pre-design phase launched for strategic fuel storage

Groundwork for CEPS integration

The agreement, signed in April, includes the development of technical, functional, and organizational assumptions for the planned expansion of storage and distribution infrastructure. This preparatory phase will define implementation variants and provide the analytical foundation for future investment decisions, enabling Poland’s connection to NATO’s Central Europe Pipeline System (CEPS).

– The launch of pre-design work marks an important step in the development of technical infrastructure for the Alliance and Poland’s integration with the CEPS system. At this stage, precise definition of the expansion scope and technical conditions of future installations is crucial. This will allow us to properly prepare subsequent project phases and mitigate risks – said Col. Mariusz Zyglarski, Director of the NATO Investment Division.

PERN brings operational expertise

A central role in the project is played by PERN, which provides technical expertise and operational know-how in fuel infrastructure management. The company’s experience in executing large-scale infrastructure projects is expected to support efficient project delivery.

– PERN has extensive experience in delivering large infrastructure projects, supported by strong technical resources and a team of experts. This enables us to execute complex investments such as the current expansion of storage and distribution infrastructure for NATO – said Mateusz Stańczyk, Chief Technical Officer at PERN.

Strategic priority for resilience

The integration project aligns with PERN’s broader strategy to enhance the resilience of Poland’s fuel system and improve interoperability with allied infrastructure.

– The integration of PERN’s system with NATO infrastructure is currently one of our top priorities and fits well into our efforts to strengthen the resilience of the national fuel system – said Daniel Świętochowski, President of the Management Board of PERN. – We are consistently expanding our logistics and storage infrastructure to reinforce Poland’s energy security, support stable economic operations, and improve customer service quality.

Implications for the maritime sector

From a maritime and energy logistics perspective, the project carries significant long-term implications. Integration with CEPS is expected to enhance supply flexibility, strengthen the operational security of critical infrastructure, and reinforce Poland’s position as a strategic logistics hub in the Baltic Sea region.

The development of fuel storage capacities and their connection to allied systems may also improve supply stability for ports and support the growth of intermodal and maritime fuel logistics chains.

Continued cooperation framework

The current phase follows a preliminary agreement signed in October 2025 between PERN and the NATO Investment Division, which established the framework for cooperation, defined responsibilities, and outlined project milestones.

PERN currently operates over 2,500 km of crude oil and fuel pipelines and manages 23 storage terminals across Poland, forming the backbone of the country’s fuel logistics system. The NATO Investment Division, reporting to the Ministry of National Defence, is responsible for the preparation, implementation, and supervision of NATO infrastructure projects in Poland.

The integration with CEPS is poised to become one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in the region, combining energy security objectives with defense and logistics capabilities critical to NATO operations.