Poland Revives Plans for Major Deepwater Port in Świnoujście, Targeting 2029 Completion

Ambitious 'Cape Pomerania' Project Unveiled

Poland has officially revived and presented updated plans for a significant deepwater container port in Świnoujście, a strategic initiative known as 'Cape Pomerania.' This ambitious project aims to establish Poland's second major deepwater container hub, complementing the existing port in Gdańsk, and is designed to significantly bolster Central and Eastern Europe's connections to global trade routes.

The investment is projected to cost approximately €2.35 billion (PLN 10 billion). Construction is targeted to commence in 2027, with the port expected to be fully operational by 2029.

Key Features and Capacity

The new deepwater terminal will be situated east of the existing LNG terminal in Świnoujście and will involve the creation of 186 hectares of new land. Designed to accommodate the world's largest container ships, the port will feature a 17-meter deep approach channel and approximately 2,900 meters of quays. Its annual handling capacity is projected to reach 2 million TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units).

Infrastructure development will include:

• New rail and road systems to ensure efficient cargo distribution.
• A 47-hectare logistics area.
• Ten 800-meter rail tracks.
• A separate 2-kilometer access road to mitigate traffic impact on the city.

The terminal will be capable of simultaneously servicing three vessels: two measuring 400 meters in length and one 250 meters.

Strategic Importance and Project Management

Deputy Infrastructure Minister Arkadiusz Marchewka emphasized that the new port development supersedes a previous concept, which he described as 'flawed, lacked guaranteed funding and was delayed.' He hailed the project as 'the most ambitious project in our 75-year history' for the Szczecin–Świnoujście Seaports Authority (ZMPSiŚ), stating it will place Poland 'in the Champions League of European ports.' The port is envisioned as a crucial regional hub for distributing containers to inland destinations and neighboring countries, enhancing both economic development and national security.

The Szczecin–Świnoujście Seaports Authority (ZMPSiŚ) will be responsible for delivering the marine and landside infrastructure. A previous lease agreement signed in 2023 with a Belgian-Qatari consortium was terminated due to financing issues, and ZMPSiŚ will now seek a new terminal operator through an open tender.

Environmental Considerations and Approvals

The project's location within a protected nature reserve, part of the Natura 2000 network, has drawn scrutiny from environmental groups in both Germany and Poland. Concerns have been raised regarding potential environmental impacts, including water pollution and deforestation. However, Polish courts have rejected legal challenges against the environmental approval for the terminal, with officials stating that all proper procedures were followed.

ZMPSiŚ has committed to a 'green terminal' concept, asserting that environmental protection is central to their plans and that the project will be pro-ecological at every stage, from concept to operation.