The technical backbone of Poland’s maritime economy: from port fuel tanks to comprehensive support

Modern maritime economies rely on extensive infrastructure and highly specialised technical services that, while largely invisible to the public, are critical for safety, operational continuity and the efficient functioning of ports. One sector that has gained strategic importance in recent years is industrial technical outsourcing, covering activities such as cleaning of technological installations, servicing of fuel, chemical and wastewater tanks, and maintenance of structures operating in particularly demanding environmental conditions.

Content partner: Climbex (Impel Group) business power engineering maritime economy other pomerania west pomerania ports shipbuilding industry defense industry equipment and technology tricity news

05 january 2026   |   11:52   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Climbex

A key role in this segment is played by the Impel Group – a leading outsourcing services provider in Central Europe – and its specialised subsidiary Climbex, focused on advanced technical operations. For years, both entities have supported seaports, refineries, the fuel sector and institutions responsible for critical infrastructure security. Although rarely present in public debate, these services are essential to the stability of maritime logistics and transport chains.

Technical outsourcing as a pillar of port and fleet efficiency

The scope of services delivered by Impel and Climbex extends far beyond the standard perception of port operations. It includes fuel installations, storage tanks, steel structures, ship hulls and rail infrastructure such as tank wagons. These activities require certified equipment, specialised authorisations and extensive experience, often carried out in high-risk environments, including explosive atmospheres (ATEX zones).

Climbex has long supported the refinery sector, heavy industry, seaports and offshore operations. Its portfolio includes cargo hold cleaning, servicing of onboard installations, advanced anti-corrosion works and structural refurbishment. All activities are designed to minimise downtime and ensure uninterrupted operations for clients.

Servicing and protection of vessels – from commercial fleets to the Polish Navy

One of the most sensitive areas of Climbex’s activity is the technical servicing of commercial vessels and units of the Polish Navy. Port-based operations include:

• cleaning and sanitisation of cargo holds after food, chemical and fuel transport,
• cleaning of bilges, fuel and wastewater tanks, including collection and disposal of hazardous waste,
• washing and surface preparation of ship hulls,
• replacement of sacrificial zinc anodes and anti-corrosion works,
• refurbishment of coatings and structural elements.

In the case of naval vessels, operations involve systems of particular operational sensitivity, such as fuel and ballast tanks, deck pipelines and technical installations directly affecting combat readiness. These tasks are carried out in accordance with strict military procedures and require certified expertise in hazardous and explosive environments.

ATC technology – automated cleaning of fuel tanks

One of Climbex’s key competitive advantages is the use of Automated Tank Cleaning (ATC) technology, which enables fully automated cleaning of fuel tanks without personnel entering confined spaces. This significantly reduces operational risk, shortens execution time and increases overall efficiency.

Key benefits of ATC technology include:

• full automation in ATEX zones,
• reduction of installation downtime by up to several dozen percent,
• recovery of up to 95% of residual petroleum products suitable for reuse,
• significant reduction in emissions and generated waste.

ATC technology is applied by fuel operators across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In Poland, it is used both in the refinery sector and at fuel terminals.

Maintenance of maritime infrastructure – refurbishment, protection and inspection

The maritime environment – characterised by high humidity, salinity and wide temperature fluctuations – makes port infrastructure particularly vulnerable to corrosion. Maintenance works on bridges, pipe racks, jetties, quays and technical chambers therefore have a direct impact on operational safety and continuity.

Climbex delivers, among others:

• abrasive blasting and surface preparation,
• anti-corrosion protection of steel and concrete structures,
• thickness measurements and condition assessments of protective coatings,
• comprehensive refurbishment of infrastructure assets.

Container servicing as a component of intermodal safety

An important area of activity involves repair and refurbishment of containers used in port operations and intermodal transport. Services include structural repairs, anti-corrosion protection and adaptation of specialised containers for the transport of dangerous goods.

ATEX operations and hazardous waste handling

Climbex operates advanced technical facilities enabling the servicing of ballast tanks and refinery installations, including high-capacity vacuum loaders for the removal of sludge, sediments and petroleum substances. The company is certified to operate in ATEX zones 0, 1, 2 and 20, 21, 22, allowing it to carry out projects in the highest-risk environments.

- Working in ATEX zones, on vessels and within fuel infrastructure requires not only technology, but above all experience and rigorous procedures, says Tomasz Ciecierski, Technical Expert at Climbex. - Automation of tank cleaning, including ATC technology, significantly improves safety and operational efficiency. We deliver projects in Poland and abroad, transferring best practices from the refinery and offshore sectors into port operations.

Organisational backbone and scale of the Impel Group

Supporting the maritime and port sector requires top-level organisational, technological and human resources. The scale of the Impel Group enables rapid response and efficient execution of even the most complex projects, translating for shipowners and port operators into time savings, increased safety and minimised costly downtime.

- The maritime and port sector is one of the key growth areas for the Impel Group, says Maciej Strzybny, Commercial Director at Impel Group. - We see growing demand for comprehensive, certified technical services that combine operational safety, automation and environmental responsibility. We continue to invest in technology, team competences and offshore services, as maritime and energy infrastructure form the backbone of economic security.

Technical support as a foundation for the sector’s future

The development of offshore projects, investments in fuel and LNG infrastructure and increasing intensity of maritime transport will continue to drive demand for specialised technical services. Companies such as Impel and Climbex – equipped with appropriate certifications, technologies and experience in high-risk environments – are becoming a natural and essential part of the port ecosystem.

While operating largely behind the scenes, their work directly underpins energy security, terminal efficiency and the technical readiness of maritime fleets.

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