President Andrzej Bojanowski: BALTEXPO 2023 sets new courses for the maritime industry development in the Baltic Sea region

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Marek Grzybowski, questions to Andrzej Bojanowski, President of the Gdańsk International Fair.

An exclusive interview to Baltic Journalist Maritime Club of the Baltic Sea & Space Cluster (BSSC)

BALTEXPO 2023 should primarily set new development scenarios for the maritime industry in motion. This encompasses the expansion of infrastructure and extends to new challenges for the shipbuilding sector.
Historically, both BALTEXPO and BALT MILITARY EXPO have been highly focused on the shipbuilding industry.
The opportunity for continental European industry lies in high specialization and precision work. It is the “Green Policy” that can be a tremendous opportunity for development.
Another crucial factor is the education of highly skilled personnel and conveying to individuals that working in this industry can be both professionally and financially rewarding.

Marek Grzybowski:  Maritime business in Europe is developing slowly after the pandemic. The world economy has slowed down. Forwarding, ports and logistics are seeing reduced demand for containers. The demand for sea transport of crude oil and LNG has increased. European shipyards focus on the production of innovative ships. Poland has a strong position in the production of electric ships. The Navy orders new ships. Offshore wind farms are developing. Could you briefly describe the Baltexpo 2023?

Andrzej Bojanowski:
BALTEXPO 2023 should primarily set new development scenarios for the maritime industry in motion. This encompasses the expansion of infrastructure and extends to new challenges for the shipbuilding sector.

Is Offshore wind in progress? I believe it holds significant potential but also presents risks, such as rising production costs that could potentially limit the number and scale of projects. This, in turn, poses a challenge for other elements of the Baltic Sea’s energy role, including the development of networks and energy storage methods.

Of course, there are also challenges related to the necessity of modernizing ships and ports to meet the requirements of the energy transformation. These are topics we should discuss and showcase innovations for. We should analyze the risks and developmental timelines defined by the Baltic Sea. This is the concept behind the inaugural edition of BALTEXPO 2023 under our patronage.

Marek Grzybowski: The shipbuilding industry in Europe has undergone strong changes and transformations over the years. Today, it is an industry focused on the production of innovative ships, constructions for the offshore oil & gas industry and offshore wind farms. Polish shipyards have a strong position in ship repairs and shipbuilding. What space does Baltexpo offer for this sector?

Andrzej Bojanowski:
The two sections of Halls B and C are dedicated to the shipbuilding and offshore sectors, which is only natural given that today they represent the most populous community within the maritime economy. Historically, both BALTEXPO and BALT MILITARY EXPO have been highly focused on the shipbuilding industry.

Over the past several years, significant changes have occurred in ship production, with the majority of mass and port projects being carried out in the Far East, particularly in China. The opportunity for continental European industry lies in high specialization and precision work. It is the “Green Policy” that can be a tremendous opportunity for development. This is something that both country and the European Commission must recognize by increasing support for research and development as well as investments, in order to enhance the competitiveness of our facilities.

Another crucial factor is the education of highly skilled personnel and conveying to individuals that working in this industry can be both professionally and financially rewarding.

Marek Grzybowski: Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has also drawn attention to the need to defend ports and protect sea communication connections. Programs for the development of war fleets and protection of borders against people smuggling are being implemented. How did the Gdańsk International Fair react to the naval development programs in Europe?

Andrzej Bojanowski:
This is a highly significant aspect of our exhibition. Vessels like Kormoran, Delfin, and Miecznik underscore the substantial investment needs, not only from a military perspective but also in terms of safeguarding critical infrastructure, including energy.

The Border Guard and the Navy play a pivotal role in shaping the sense of security and exploring modern techniques, including unmanned systems. We place strong emphasis on the input and ideas of both the scientific community and innovative individuals from the Start-up zone, aiming for a dual format in proposed solutions.

Marek Grzybowski: Conferences and events have always been an important element of the Baltexpo and Balt Military Expo. What will be the theme accompanying Baltexpo 2023?

Andrzej Bojanowski:
Foundation, PTMEW(Polish Offshore Wind Energy Society), and PSEW(Polish Wind Energy Association). In addition to the main event, there are accompanying activities, including the Salmon Evening social gathering and study visits to interesting maritime projects such as Baltic Hub, Port of Gdańsk, Mostostal Pomorze, and construction units at the University of Gdańsk. Let us not forget about booth service as well, where we invite you daily to the After Party following the closure of the AmberExpo gates.

Thank you for your answers.