In a significant announcement made during a parliamentary commission meeting on maritime economy and inland navigation, Deputy Infrastructure Minister Arkadiusz Marchewka revealed that all Polish ports concluded the year 2023 on a profitable note, handling nearly 150 million tons of cargo.
Katarzyna Krawczyk, Finance Director at the Port of Gdańsk, reported an impressive financial outcome for 2023, with profits soaring to PLN 212.9 million, marking an increase of over PLN 72 million from the previous year. She projected a sales profitability of around 36% and a return on equity of close to 13 groszy per zloty of invested capital for 2024.
The Port of Gdańsk Group also enjoyed robust financial health, with sales results reaching PLN 302.9 million, up 70% year-on-year, and profitability at nearly 44%. The largest Polish port increased its handling capacity in 2023, processing 81 million tons, which is 12.7 million tons more than in 2022, and plans to continue its expansion with investment spending set to reach PLN 236 million in 2024.
Significant projects underscore Gdańsk’s growth, including a major modernization costing PLN 590 million, largely funded by the EU, and upcoming investments like the extensive redevelopment of four quays and the ambitious Central Port and Maritime Wind Energy project, with the T3 terminal slated for completion in 2025.
Kacper Płażyński, chair of the maritime economy commission, highlighted Gdańsk’s position as the EU’s eighth and fastest-growing port.
The Port of Gdynia also boasted strong results for 2023, with profits exceeding PLN 100 million, up 24% from the previous year, and cargo throughput reaching 29.4 million tons, a 5.25% increase. The port is recognized for its versatility and has undertaken significant investments, including the construction of a new ferry terminal.
Leszek Jurczyk, Strategy and Development Director at the Port of Gdynia, detailed plans for an external port expansion, a strategic project for Poland’s economy, expected to cost between PLN 3-4 billion.
Discussions at the parliamentary commission also touched upon vital infrastructure improvements, including rail access to ports, highlighting ongoing and planned projects to bolster the efficiency and capacity of Poland’s maritime gateways.
Lastly, the new CEO of the Szczecin and Świnoujście Seaports Authority, Jarosław Siergiej, reported a net profit of PLN 140.8 million for 2023, underscoring a year of considerable growth and profitability for Polish ports across the board, signaling a promising future for the nation’s maritime sector.