“Polish Sea” programme: The re-polonisation of the maritime economy sector. What does it mean?

Repolonisation and accelerated development of Poland’s maritime economy are key goals of the newly announced “Polish Sea” programme, presented by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Speaking at the 11th International Maritime Congress in Szczecin, the Prime Minister emphasised that the Baltic Sea remains one of Poland’s most valuable strategic assets, and that ambitious investments in the Pomeranian region will strengthen the country as a whole. Polish seaports have already reached record performance levels in 2024, and with continued government efforts, these results are expected to improve further. Poland is also returning to shipbuilding: the construction of three new ferries is underway, and national shipyards will soon begin work on two new flagship vessels – the successor to the Dar Młodzieży and a replacement for the Nawigator XXI training and research ship.

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15 may 2025   |   22:13   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

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The “Polish Sea” programme: better late than never

The International Maritime Congress is one of the most important events for the maritime industry in Poland and Europe. It provided an ideal platform to reaffirm Poland’s historic and strategic relationship with the Baltic Sea.

– The Piast heritage, which we now evoke in these weeks filled with hope and uncertainty, but also with pride in Poland’s achievements, includes the maritime ambitions born here a thousand years ago – said Prime Minister Donald Tusk during the 11th edition of the Congress in Szczecin.

As stated by the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, the government is reviving the idea of a "Greater Pomerania" – not through territorial expansion, but through smart and effective development. This vision lies at the heart of the newly launched Polish Sea programme.

– We’re thinking about how to better, more wisely, more intensively manage this magnificent coastal belt – this pride of Poland, stretching from my Gdańsk to your Szczecin. the idea is to make Pomerania, Greater Pomerania, one of the most valuable jewels in Poland’s crown – Tusk explained.

Repolonisation as strategic policy

Strengthening the maritime economy must go hand in hand with repolonisation, which has become the government’s guiding principle for public investments.

– We understand well the pressure from non-EU countries – the pricing pressure, the competition – and this is not fair competition. reclaiming the Baltic, making it the "Polish Sea", also means localising procurement wherever possible. even if it’s difficult, tenders must be won by Polish suppliers and manufacturers. this includes shipbuilding – just as we’re seeing with the ferries – said the Prime Minister.

Repolonisation will also cover energy investments – offshore wind farms in the Baltic and the nuclear power plant planned in Pomerania.

– We will ensure – and I mean especially the largest state-owned companies – that those building large offshore wind projects rely to a significantly greater extent on Polish firms and services – he added.

The goal is clear: Polish companies should directly benefit from strategic public investments. The government, together with state-owned enterprises, is already working to implement this in practice.

Polish ports becoming a regional powerhouse

Record performance in 2024 confirms the potential of Polish ports: net profits exceeded PLN 550 million – up 26% year-on-year. Taxes generated in the sector reached nearly PLN 56 billion, over one billion more than in 2023. Container throughput was also at a record high, with almost 3.3 million TEU – a 10% increase.

– We intend to triple these figures. by 2030 – just over four years from now – we will have tripled throughput at Polish seaports and Baltic container terminals. Poland will become a truly dominant force in this domain – Tusk declared.

A key project will be the new container terminal in Świnoujście.

– No protest will stop us from building this terminal. you can be sure of that. it is our duty to defend Poland’s maritime national interests, while respecting national and international law and the rights of citizens and organisations. one of those interests is the Świnoujście terminal – he said.

These investments go beyond national benefit – they also strengthen Europe as a whole.

– Europe’s strength lies in the strength of each of its ports and each of its nations – and in cooperation with those that have no seaports. that’s why infrastructure connecting to ports is critical – said infrastructure minister Dariusz Klimczak.

Transport links are already improving: rail travel to Szczecin is significantly faster than a few years ago, and the Nadodrzańska line will support international access to the Szczecin and Świnoujście ports. The S3 expressway from the Czech border to Świnoujście is almost complete, and the Czech government has announced a tender to continue the route on their side.

Reviving Polish shipbuilding

After years of stagnation, the government aims to fully restore the capacity of Polish shipyards. During the Congress, the Prime Minister confirmed that Poland will resume ship production.

One flagship project will be the successor to the Dar Młodzieży, which for 44 years has served educational and research purposes.

– We’ve decided that young people in Poland who love the sea and want to dedicate their lives to it must have the opportunity to train – continuing the proud tradition of the Dar Pomorza and Dar Młodzieży – said Tusk.

Another project is a new training and research vessel to replace the Nawigator XXI of the Maritime University of Szczecin. Combined costs of both ships are estimated at nearly PLN 1 billion. In addition, three new ferries are already under construction – the first is to enter service this autumn.

As part of this repolonisation strategy, the Polish maritime flag will be restored. The last vessel sailing under the Polish flag was deregistered in 2024.

– It took over 20 years, but now we can finally say it with full voice: the Polish flag will return to Polish ships. so that Polish seafarers, shipowners and manufacturers can work, sail, and earn under the Polish flag – the Prime Minister said.

The 2025 state budget allocates over PLN 2 billion to the maritime sector – a 37% increase from the previous year.

Securing the Baltic

Geopolitical pressure from Russia has pushed Poland to strengthen security at sea. The government is moving forward with regional and NATO allies to increase protection of Baltic infrastructure.

– That’s where the Baltic Sentry idea comes in – based on NATO capabilities and cooperation among Baltic coastal states. the mission is to protect our investments, vessels, sea routes, pipelines, wind farms, the future nuclear plant and ports – said the Prime Minister.

The launch of the NATO-led “Baltic Sentry” is considered a diplomatic success for Poland, which first proposed the concept on 27 November 2024. The system is modelled after NATO’s air policing scheme for defending allied airspace.

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