Polish maritime economy in 2025 and 2026 on a wave of growth and investment. “So many owe so much to so few” [ANALYSIS]

The Polish maritime economy gained momentum in 2025, and market data suggests that the pace of development in all major areas will continue into 2026. Large and small seaports clearly stand out in the Polish maritime cluster. The continuity of the Polish economy’s production and service processes, and even education and health, depends largely on logistics, terminal operators, and maritime transport. Could it be that “so many owe so much to so few”?

Shipyards producing ships, vessels, and companies producing marine structures maintain their pace of work and maintain contact with the market. The offshore wind farm sector is developing dynamically. Repair yards are staying on course. Maritime tourism is developing, although still under the pressure of seasonality. Yacht and boat production in Poland has been a significant industry in Europe and the world for years. Polish maritime transport, along with ferry companies, continues to develop under foreign flags. The fishery has received increased fishing quotas for 2026, but is no longer operating on an upward trend.

In 2026, a quota for sprat and herring has been negotiated for the Baltic Sea, increasing by 45% and 15% compared to DG MARE’s previous proposals. Cod availability in 2026 will remain unchanged. The marine fish processing industry will continue to operate under pressure from rising raw material, labor, and energy prices. In 2026, Poland will maintain its position as a significant supplier of processed fish products in Europe, with exports valued at over €3 billion.

Science, Education, and Maritime Business

Universities, institutes, and research centers have their own good times and opportunities to utilize them even in 2026. Little is known about the position of Polish research centers, institutes, and universities in research related to maritime industries and marine research. Among them is the Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences. These are global institutions where fundamental research on the marine environment is conducted and knowledge of the phenomena and fundamentals contained within it is deepened.

The University of Gdańsk is participating in the SEA EU (Sea Europe University Alliance) project. This alliance, available in European university territories, creates a broad space for the development of education and research, and is connected across borders.

For example, within the SEA EU, the Polish research vessel R/V Oceanograf served as a platform for an international research team. The vessel is available for SEA EU cruises, during which research was conducted as part of projects related to marine development and ecology. Microplastic content in fish and marine waters was analyzed, identifying detailed levels and biodiversity from the Baltic Sea to the Arctic. Suppliers from the Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) were also partners in this research.

Maritime industries, vocational schools, and schools are significantly impacted by the market. Shipping, logistics, and the consequences of changes in the maritime services market. Banks, insurance companies, and lawyers have many areas of operation, high CAPEX and OPEX, and business risks in the maritime sector, requiring knowledge and experience.

Flagship Trade Fairs and Conferences

The Polish maritime economy has gained momentum during the industry’s flagship events. A comprehensive overview of the Polish maritime economy’s potential was provided during the BALTEXPO 2025 trade fair and conference and the International Maritime Congress in Szczecin. Polish shipyards, seaports, and small hydropower plants dominated both events, which was reflected in the significant attendance of business and political representatives from abroad.

BALTEXPO 2025 distinguished itself by integrating business and science, highlighting the collaboration between civilian activities and the development of technologies and systems for maritime defense and critical infrastructure security. The International Maritime Congress emphasized its international standing by announcing a call for a common EU strategy for maritime industries, which is known in the political and economic sphere as the “Szczecin Declaration.”

AMBEREXPO is also among the maritime trade fairs that distinguish Poland on the global maritime map. For many years, they have been promoting Polish artists and craftspeople involved in the amber industry and artistic amber products. The Polboat Yachting Festival is also a standout event. Last year, approximately 120 vessels (many unique and innovative) were presented at the Gdynia Marina. These events have long demonstrated Poland’s dominance in international markets, combining the craftsmanship of designers with the perfection and originality of world-class product execution.

The strength and design potential of the Polish maritime industry were also demonstrated by conferences such as POWER CONNECT, the Polish Ports 2030 Congress, the Rejs z GospodarkaMorska.pl event, the Maritime Economy Forum, and conferences on small hydropower, transport, forwarding, and logistics. A highlight, concluding the conference season, was the dynamic and substantive conference in Szczecin: “TSKAE 2025 – Baltic Energy: Transformation, Security, and the Industry of the Future.”

Polish Ports, Large and Small

Polish seaports, like never before, have become strategic points ensuring Poland’s economic security and constituting the space on which this security depends. Growing cargo transshipment clearly illustrates the strong links between the Polish economy and the global economy and the dependence of our industries, services, and consumption on the supply of components and products from around the world.

Maritime deliveries and the transshipment of fuels and liquefied gas clearly demonstrate the sources of supply upon which the energy security of the Polish economy depends. The construction of external ports (including FSRUs) and access infrastructure (such as the intermodal terminal and the Red Road in Gdynia) are becoming a necessary and essential condition for building national security in 2026 and in the coming years.

The commissioning of T3 at the Baltic Hub and subsequent quays at the Port of Gdańsk responds to the high supply of general cargo in containers and bulk. Infrastructure investments are attracting logistics operators. Maritime Agency Gdynia and Solid Port, among others, have built warehouses here. MAG provides 21,000 m² of indoor space, including 3,000 m² of reinforced flooring up to 13 t/m². Solid Port recently commissioned two new warehouses, each with a total area of ​​2,400 m², for storing fertilizers.

The dynamic development of Świnoujście could provide a significant impetus for the development of short-sea shipping and green maritime corridors in Poland. The construction of a nuclear power plant with a pier for unloading large structures represents a new investment and infrastructure stimulus, and a new challenge. The role of small ports in ensuring national security is growing, not only through the construction of service areas for offshore wind farms. It seems that the Władysławowo port authorities’ idea of ​​building an external port and land access infrastructure should be taken seriously by political bodies, the government, the Pomeranian local government, and the business community.

In 2025, the need for the development of short-sea shipping and green maritime corridors was confirmed. We have a good example of this, for example, the launch of a Finnlines connection from Finland to Spain via Gdynia. We are thus witnessing the development of another green corridor. The Gdynia-Karlskrona connection has been operated for several years by Stena Line Polska, which uses modern, eco-friendly E-Flexer-class ferries: Stena Estelle and Stena Ebba, to transport cargo and passengers.

Dynamic Production in Shipyard Docks

The year 2025 saw exceptionally busy times at Polish shipyards. Importantly, new constructions, both large and small, were often carried out under the supervision of the Polish Register of Shipping and in collaboration with the Ship Technology Center and the Maritime Technology Center. CRIST clearly stands out with its array of innovative products, among which the NB100 is an engineering gem. This is another vessel designed and built specifically for the construction of a tunnel connecting Denmark and Germany.

It is also worth noting the delivery of the first of the new ferries built by Remontowa Shipbuilding to Unity Line. This is the first vessel of this type built in Poland in over 40 years. Importantly, it is designed to a Polish design. The Jantar Unity is the first of three ferries being built for the Szczecin-based shipowner. The vessel features azimuth thrusters and an eco-friendly gas-powered propulsion system with a battery system.

The transfer of the bow section of the first frigate by CRIST to PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, the commencement of construction of the second frigate and the “Ratownik” (Rescuer), are significant milestones in the development of the Polish Navy. The Oksywie shipyard is also a partner in the construction of minehunters. ORP Czajka was recently launched. This is the sixth Kormoran II-class ship being built in Gdańsk by a consortium led by Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. Its members include the Maritime Technology Research and Development Center in Gdynia and PGZ Stocznia Wojenna. Importantly, the shipyards have included numerous Polish companies in the collaboration. One of the key equipment suppliers is Hydromega.

Poland also builds specialized vessels, such as tugboats, a buoy-laying vessel, and a dredger, as well as hulls, which are then finally equipped abroad. Unfortunately, the main engines, generators, and a whole range of equipment, systems, and technologies are imported from outside Poland. This is despite the fact that technology transfer centers operate at Polish universities.

Acceleration Zone

Despite its strong achievements, the Polish maritime industry still needs innovation. A brighter spot on the innovation support map is the Pomeranian Special Economic Zone, with its consistently implemented acceleration programs. We could observe the positive effects of integrating maritime businesses and innovative companies during the Acceleration Zone DEMO DAY.

After the meeting and presentations at this event, however, it comes to mind that of the several hundred companies operating in the Polish maritime economy, only a few have expressed demand for solutions with a certain level of innovation. However, there is still room for innovation, as the Pomeranian Special Economic Zone and the Gdańsk Science and Technology Park are announcing recruitment for the 5th round of the Acceleration Zone program.

Technology Recipient tracks are available as part of the Startup Booster Poland – SMART UP initiative. This is an opportunity not only for innovative startups, but especially for maritime companies seeking to implement new technologies and build a competitive advantage based on innovation. In 2026, PLN 400,000 can be obtained from the European Funds for a Modern Economy 2021-2027.