Uncertain future for the Elbląg Port investment? The Ministry responds

The implementation of the investment related to the construction of the waterway on the Elbląg River, a key element of access to the port from the sea, is facing new challenges. The cancellation of the tender, changes to the schedule, and unforeseen environmental obstacles raise questions about the future of this strategic project. However, the Ministry of Infrastructure assures that work will continue and that the project still has a chance of completion.

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21 february 2025   |   07:22   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Urząd Morski w Gdyni

Tender canceled – but nt the project

The first sign of uncertainty was the cancellation of the tender for the preparation of project documentation and author supervision of the investment. As explained by Anna Szumańska, spokesperson for the Ministry of Infrastructure, this decision resulted from an error in the publication of the announcement and doubts about the proper estimation of the contract value.

– This does not mean abandoning the project. On February 10, the announcement was published in the correct registry. The cancellation of the proceedings was therefore a precautionary measure and an effort to ensure compliance with public procurement regulations," Szumańska tells "Daily Mare".

Schedule in question

The Ministry emphasizes that, according to the current multi-year program "Construction of a Waterway Connecting the Vistula Lagoon with the Gulf of Gdańsk," the investment is scheduled for completion in 2026. However, it is already clear that the project may face delays.

– During the execution of the works, additional challenges arose, such as the detection of petroleum-derived contaminants in the bottom sediments of the Elbląg River, necessitating their remediation. As a result, adjustments to the schedule may be introduced after the project documentation is received, adds the Ministry’s spokesperson.

Who oversees the investment?

The project executor remains the Director of the Maritime Office in Gdynia, while the Ministry of Infrastructure supervises the progress.

– The Ministry is also taking steps to ensure state budget funding for infrastructure projects providing sea access to the Port of Elbląg, Szumańska assures.

She also emphasizes that the government understands the importance of this investment for the port, the entire region, and the shipping sector.

Budget under control, but scope expands

In response to questions from "Daily Mare," the Ministry admitted that the scope of the investment has been expanded by an additional 900 meters of the waterway and changes to the parameters of the final 3 kilometers of the route.

– The assessment of any budget adjustments will be possible after receiving the project documentation, which will include these changes and the necessary scope of work, Szumańska comments.

Cooperation with local politics and port development

The Port of Elbląg is managed by the municipal company Zarząd Portu Morskiego Elbląg Sp. z o.o., while the Ministry of Infrastructure is responsible for access infrastructure. Collaboration with local authorities is crucial for the project’s implementation.

– Thanks to an agreement reached under the auspices of the Ministry of Infrastructure with representatives of the Elbląg local government, the final 900 meters of the waterway to the port will be deepened. Additionally, the Maritime Office in Gdynia maintains ongoing, frequent contact with the port authorities, notes Szumańska.

What benefits will the investment bring?

Despite the challenges, the Ministry of Infrastructure highlights that the investment presents a significant opportunity for Elbląg and the region.

– It will allow for increased cargo handling at the Port of Elbląg, the development of local infrastructure, and the strengthening of the city’s role in the transportation and logistics system of the region, the country, and Europe, Szumańska says.

Upon completion, the port will be able to accommodate larger vessels up to 100 meters in length with a draft of 4.5 meters, opening new possibilities for shipping and business.

Additional funds for key works

The government is not passive in the face of financial challenges.

- On September 12, 2024, the Council of Ministers approved an amendment to the 2016 resolution establishing the multi-year program. This amendment includes the deepening f the final 900 meters of the waterway to the Port of Elbląg and the allocation of financial resources for this purpose in the amount of PLN 33 million, the Ministry reports.

Technical and environmental challenges

The investment's implementation is complicated due to environmental issues and the need for numerous permits.

– The main challenges include the complex process of obtaining approvals and permits, including an environmental impact assessment. Due to environmental conditions, work cannot be carried out year-round – for example, during fish spawning periods or bird nesting seasons, Szumańska explains. 

Administrative procedures are sequential, meaning that each decision depends on prior analyses and approvals.

What’s next?

The Ministry of Infrastructure assures that the project is ongoing and all necessary actions are being taken. The Maritime Office in Gdynia provides regular updates on key developments, and further decisions will depend on the results of project work and environmental analyses.

Despite the emerging difficulties, authorities remain optimistic about the project's future. However, will the new deadlines be met, and will the budget remain intact? Time will tell, and "Daily Mare" will continue to monitor the next stages of this crucial venture.

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