New! Elbląg opens to the sea. Port improvement plan for PLN 200 million

The port of Morski in Elbląg faces a chance of crucial expansion, which can transform the regional logistics map of Poland – we learn from the “Business Puls”. The improvement plan, worth nearly PLN 200 million, envisages the completion of a key task – a waterway connecting the port to the Gulf of Gdańsk. This is not only a consequence to the increasing logistical request in the region, but besides a step towards expanding port competitiveness on the national and global stage.

The completion of the construction of the water channel will let Elbląg port to increase transhipments, which opens up fresh possibilities for handling dry bulk products that do not find adequate space in Gdańsk or Gdynia.

According to Arkadiusz Zgliński, manager of the Board of Elbląg Maritime Port, quoted by “Puls Biznesu”: “We focus mainly on the improvement of dry bulk handling products”. This strategical approach aims not only to exploit the current port capacity, but besides to prepare it for future challenges.

Port improvement Plan

However, let us remind you that during the time of the Law and Justice, there was a stalemate on the construction of the port in Elbląg. In order for the city of Elbląg to be able to wrap larger ships, the waterway leading to it must be deepened. The Elbląg authorities believe that this should be done by the state and the government in turn – that the city. And the stalemate is inactive on.

Despite ambitious plans, the port faces the challenge of raising the essential funding. The existing assumptions indicate that EU funds for infrastructure and environment improvement were to be a key origin of support. Unfortunately, according to the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy, the port in Elbląg is not classified as an essential object for the economy under the trans-European TEN-T network, which complicates the application process for funds.

However, not all backing routes are closed. An alternate could be the usage of the regional programme "European Funds for Warmia and Mazury". However, the implementation of this option will require renegotiation with the European Commission, which, as the ‘Business Puls’ notes, represents another challenge on the way to the expansion of the Elbląg port.

Investment expected by the city

The Elbląg port improvement plan is not only a substance of developing local infrastructure, but besides an crucial component of the region's economical strategy. Despite the obstacles, possible port improvement opens up fresh prospects for Elbląg to increase its function in the country's transport strategy and strengthen its position on the logistics map of Europe.

The next steps that will be taken in the close future will be crucial for the future of the port and can be a turning point in its history. An reflection of how these ambitious plans are developing will surely supply a number of interesting information and results for the economy not only regional but besides the full country.

Business pulse/mn