Maritime Information on Poland

The Maritime Frontage and Main Ports

Poland, although mainly located in Central Europe, has an important maritime frontage on the Baltic Sea, extending over about 528 kilometers. This access to the sea makes Poland strategic for maritime trade and international commerce. The main Polish ports are Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Szczecin, which play a vital role in the transit of goods, trade, and regional maritime transport. Each of these ports is equipped to accommodate a wide variety of ships, ranging from cargo vessels to ferries and cruise ships.

The port of Gdańsk is the largest and most important in Poland. It is known for its capacity to handle large volumes of goods, including food products, construction materials, industrial equipment, and fuels. This port is also a crucial hub for commercial exchanges with other Baltic countries as well as with more distant countries via international maritime networks.

The port of Gdynia, located near Gdańsk, is also a major center for maritime freight, specializing notably in vehicle transport and containers. Finally, Szczecin, closer to the German borders, provides access to the inland waterway network via the Oder River, facilitating multimodal transport combining inland waterway and maritime routes.

Economic Activities and Maritime Environment

Besides maritime trade, Poland exploits its exclusive economic zones (EEZ) in the Baltic Sea, which cover several thousand square kilometers. These zones are dedicated to fishing, renewable energy production (such as offshore wind power), as well as sustainable exploitation of marine resources. Maritime fishing is a traditional activity in Poland, with a fleet dedicated to catching fish such as herring, cod, and halibut. These products are exported to many European countries.

Poland also invests in the protection of its maritime environment, adhering to strict standards against pollution and participating in international initiatives to preserve marine ecosystems. This country is part of maritime conventions that ensure safe navigation and sustainable exploitation of the Baltic Sea, which is a particularly fragile environment due to its shallow depth and its rich but sensitive ecosystem.

Finally, the maritime tourism sector is developing mainly on the Baltic coast, with recreational boating activities, marinas, and coastal cruises attracting many visitors each year. This tourism dimension complements Poland's economic, cultural, and strategic maritime activities at sea.