Real investments or election-driven game? Elbląg loses kilometers in political maneuvering

The Polish political scene is becoming a battleground for the future of seaports, particularly the port of Elbląg, which is at the center of the debate. Although politicians from Donald Tusk's government promised rapid infrastructure development, the reality is marked by delays, controversies, and canceled tenders that are hindering not only the port’s growth but also the development of the entire region—all over a 900-meter section of the approach fairway.

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06 february 2025   |   07:07   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Zarząd Portu Morskiego Elbląg

Kacper Płażyński’s criticism of the government’s inaction

Kacper Płażyński, a Member of Parliament from Law and Justice (PiS), strongly criticized the government for failing to seize the opportunity to improve the situation in Elbląg.

- The government canceled the tender—which it itself had announced—for the preparation of tender documentation for the deepening of the final section of the waterway to the port of Elbląg. This government cannot even manage to complete a tender for documentation in a year and a half, let alone the actual dredging, which is essential for the investment made by the Law and Justice government in constructing the Vistula Spit canal to start yielding real economic benefits and driving regional and national development, said Kacper Płażyński.

A similar stance was taken by Andrzej Śliwka, another PiS MP, who also did not hold back in criticizing Donald Tusk’s government.

- Just as Civic Platform (PO) never wanted the Vistula Spit canal, now they are taking actions aimed at pushing the Elbląg seaport to the brink of collapse. Had the local government in Elbląg agreed to our proposal over two years ago, today we could fully utilize the potential of the port. Unfortunately, they chose political conflict over cooperation, added the former Deputy Minister of State Assets.

Mariusz Błaszczak, Chairman of the PiS Political Committee, also strongly condemned the opposition’s actions, emphasizing that Civic Platform had "deceived the Polish people."

- They deceived the Polish people once again. Two weeks ago, Rafał Trzaskowski made a promise that Elbląg would once again become a seaport. It turned out to be an empty promise. This government only talks but does nothing, Błaszczak said, adding that the PiS government’s proposal for cooperation with Elbląg’s local authorities was rejected, leading to stagnation in the port’s development.

Trzaskowski’s promises vs. reality

Rafał Trzaskowski, Vice Chairman of Civic Platform, frequently speaks about the need for investments in Polish ports. During his recent speech in Gdańsk, accompanied by Mayor Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, he highlighted key infrastructure investments, including the construction of an LNG terminal and the Vistula Spit waterway leading to Elbląg.

A few days earlier, in Elbląg, he emphasized the city’s need for development.

- Elbląg is one of those cities in Poland that needs a significant push for development—investments, new jobs. That’s why I’m pleased that the current government has listened to the voice of the local authorities and will give meaning to the Vistula Spit canal. We will deepen the waterway and expand the port, allowing larger vessels to enter the city. Unlike the PiS government, we do not want to engage in disputes with local authorities but rather work with them. We do not want investments for propaganda purposes but for the people. That is what common sense is about. This approach finally creates a real opportunity for the region’s development, Trzaskowski said at a meeting with residents.

But are the statements of the Civic Platform’s presidential candidate more about electioneering than genuine concern for the region’s development? Criticizing the PiS government for delays while the Elbląg port remains in limbo raises the question of why Rafał Trzaskowski and his party have not taken effective action when they have the opportunity. As a result, the port remains stagnant.

Canceled tender due to procedural errors – will Elbląg see investment?

The Maritime Office in Gdynia announced the cancellation of the public procurement process for preparing design documentation for the construction of the waterway on the Elbląg River. This decision was made due to procedural errors and doubts regarding the project’s cost estimation.

- This does not mean that the project has been abandoned. A new tender for this task will be announced in the coming days, assured the Maritime Office in Gdynia.

How Long will the delay be?

Although the government had announced that the first ships would reach Elbląg in September 2025, it is already clear that the project will not be completed as originally planned. The failure to deepen the final section of the waterway on the Elbląg River means that the port is still not fully operational.

- The previous government spent nearly 2 billion PLN on the canal, which is practically unusable. This investment must finally make sense, which is why we have already taken steps to allow large ships—100 meters long and with a draft of 4.5 meters—to reach Elbląg soon, said Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Arkadiusz Marchewka in March 2024.

The final completion date for the investment remains uncertain. While the government assures that dredging work will be completed, experience with similar projects in Poland suggests that further delays cannot be ruled out. Every delay means economic losses for the region and further postponement of the Elbląg port’s development, which was supposed to become an important point on the water transport map. Will this time the promises be kept, or will Elbląg have to wait even longer?

900 meters of political absurdity

The waterway leading to Elbląg will have a width of 36 meters and a depth of 5 meters in key sections—from point P1 (near the wastewater treatment plant) to point P2 (the junction of the Elbląg River and the Jagiellonian Canal), and further from point P2 to the port, located near the European Union Bridge. The project will also reinforce the riverbanks, and at the junction of the river and canal, a 160-meter diameter turning basin will be built to allow safe maneuvering of ships.

The total length of the waterway from the Gulf of Gdańsk to Elbląg will be nearly 23 km. The route includes over 10 km through the Vistula Lagoon, a similar-length section on the Elbląg River, and approximately 2.5 km of infrastructure comprising a lock, an external port, and a waiting area. Ultimately, both the canal and the entire waterway will reach a depth of 5 meters, ensuring free movement of larger vessels.

Elbląg’s potential as a key logistics hub

Amid announced new tenders and infrastructure projects, delays and controversies only make it harder to achieve the goals that could significantly improve the situation of the Elbląg port and the entire region. Investments in maritime and inland infrastructure are not only an opportunity for local economic growth but also a chance to strengthen Polish ports’ role in national and international transport. Unfortunately, instead of coordinated actions and responsible decisions, we are witnessing political squabbles that could cost us valuable years of delays.

The port in Elbląg, with the potential to become a key logistics hub for the region, has struggled for years due to inconsistent decision-making by authorities. On one hand, there are investment promises and assurances of support; on the other, disputes continue to slow actual progress. Meanwhile, the stakes are not just infrastructure-related but also include the development of local businesses, job creation, and increased economic attractiveness for the entire province. Every month of delay means not only lost opportunities but also tangible economic losses.

Sadly, in Poland, major infrastructure projects too often become hostages to party interests and political games. Instead of effective cooperation across administrative levels and focusing on long-term benefits for citizens, we see initiatives being blocked and decisions being postponed. If the approach to managing such projects does not change, we risk spending more years arguing instead of building a modern and efficient infrastructure.

port elbląg przekop mierzei wiślanej tor wodny do elbląga kacper płażyński andrzej śliwka

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