Port of Gdynia

Port of Gdynia Growing Rapidly

Janusz Jarosinski, President of the Gdynia Port Authority, discusses recent developments at this major port on the Baltic, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.

European Times: How much cargo does the Port of Gdynia transport?

Janusz Jarosinski, President Gdynia Port Authority

Janusz Jarosinski: Last year the port handled around 16 million tonnes, which is the second best result in our history. We mostly concentrate on general cargo, including containers.

European Times: What progress is being made on privatising the port’s services?

Janusz Jarosinski: We have privatised the Baltic Container Terminal, the Baltic Grain Terminal, the Bulk Terminal and the Tugboat Company and are continuing to privatise some last subsidiaries. We are developing a new logistics centre which includes extensive storage warehousing. The first centre was completed last year and the second, 16,000 sq m, is now being designed. What is important for us, when privatising operations like this, is that we gain strong business partners. The Port of Gdynia has attracted major global players, including Hutchinson Port Holdings, ICTSI, ATIC Services, Archer Daniels Midland Company and Cefetra B.V., Fairplay B.V., Rolls-Royce Marine, Westway Group, MOSOLF and STVA.

European Times: What other projects are underway?

Janusz Jarosinski: We are involved in the EU’s €7 million SoNorA (South-North Axis) project to create streamlined transport links between the Adriatic and the Baltic. We are improving road and rail access to the port as well as making other improvements and creating businesses. We are financing these projects through funds gained from privatisation as well as EU funding. Right now we have four EU-financed projects to boost the port’s competitiveness. The port’s docks were dredged to 13.5 m last year, and our Ro-Ro and container terminals are being upgraded. The Port of Gdynia is also the key partner in a project called Motorways of the Sea, which aims to improve intermodal links between Poland and Scandinavia.

European Times: Do you anticipate strong growth for the port over the coming decade?

Janusz Jarosinski: Yes, certainly, both in serving the Polish market and in serving other markets in the region. When the A1 motorway and the E65 railway are completed, the port’s business will grow dramatically. We have already seen a fantastic increase in container volume over the past three years.

European Times: How does the Port of Gdynia compare with the Port of Gdansk?

Janusz Jarosinski: Gdynia has slightly less volume but is the more modern port. In addition, Gdynia has a huge competitive advantage over other Polish ports because of its more developed infrastructure and more streamlined access. Gdynia is already Poland’s top port for cruise-ship traffic and one of the leaders in ferry service.

European Times: What is your personal message to potential customers and partners?

Janusz Jarosinski: The Port of Gdynia wants to work with you!