Szczecin and Świnoujście Ports: Green Transformation and Successes in 2024

Szczecin and Świnoujście Seaports experienced a transformative year in 2024, characterized by innovation, recovery, and a strong commitment to sustainable development. Key investments and strategic decisions laid the groundwork for long-term development and stability, showcasing the ports' resilience in the face of significant challenges.

Bartosz Piątek reporter 04.01.2025, 16:15 Reading time: 2 min

Aerial view of port basins, warehouses and quays with ships moored alongside — fot. ZMPSiS

In brief

The ports of Szczecin and Świnoujście handled 32.3 million tonnes in 2024, 8.5 percent less year on year, breaking in the second half of the year a downward trend that had lasted since the end of 2022. Jarosław Siergiej, President of the Szczecin and Świnoujście Seaports Authority, assessed the result optimistically, pointing to the reversal of the downward trend. The decline stemmed from the curtailment of coal imports from Russia and the halt of transit of goods from Ukraine in 2023. Five LNG deliveries have been confirmed for early January, four from the United States and one from Qatar, and ro-ro traffic accounts for around half of cargo handling.

Sustainable development and strategic investments

In the past year, significant investments were made in critical infrastructure, including the Offshore Wind sector, the Deepwater Container Terminal in Świnoujście, and the modernization of quays in Szczecin. These efforts, combined with the development of a second berth at the LNG terminal, represent crucial steps in strengthening the ports' position as leaders in green marine logistics.

Cargo handling results

Despite an 8.5% year-on-year decline in total cargo handling, amounting to 32.3 million tonnes, the ports successfully reversed the downward trend that began at the end of 2022. This progress was achieved through strategic adjustments and operational resilience.

- We look at this result with optimism because, in the second half of the past year, we managed to overcome the downward trend that had been ongoing since the end of 2022 - said Jarosław Siergiej, CEO of the Szczecin and Świnoujście Seaport Authority.

Challenges and resilience

The main reasons for the recent decline in cargo handling were external factors, such as the restriction on coal imports from Russia and the suspension of Ukrainian goods transit in 2023. However, the ports demonstrated resilience, effectively stabilizing operations by mid-2024.

Promising prospects for 2025

Looking ahead, the ports foresee growth in fuel handling, particularly LNG. Five LNG gas deliveries have already been announced for early January, with four from the United States and one from Qatar. Ferry cargo handling also shows positive signs of recovery, with a marked increase in ro-ro transport in 2024, now accounting for approximately half of total cargo handled.

Commitment to a green future

The Szczecin and Świnoujście Seaports remain committed to sustainable development. Investments in renewable energy infrastructure and environmentally friendly technologies confirm their ambition to become key players in the green transformation of the maritime industry.

At the beginning of 2025, the ports are ready to continue the progress achieved in 2024, aiming for further development and innovation while remaining dedicated to environmental protection.

Source: ZMPSiS / Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Bartosz Piątek