This year’s 12th International Maritime Congress in Szczecin, of which we were a partner, demonstrated that the maritime economy is no longer solely an industry-specific issue. Today, it encompasses matters of national security, energy, critical infrastructure, port investments, transport, the offshore sector and the law, which must keep pace with the rate of change.
The Congress brought together nearly 700 representatives from the maritime business sector, public administration, the world of politics, academia and industry experts. Szczecin once again became the venue for a substantive debate on the role Poland wishes to play in the Baltic Sea and within the European maritime economy.
Guests at the event included, amongst others, Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski and Deputy Minister for Infrastructure Arkadiusz Marchewka. Discussions centred on international security, energy, port development, the competitiveness of shipping companies, and investments that are expected to have a direct impact on the standing of Polish ports.
The topic of infrastructure featured particularly prominently. Announcements regarding the widening of the fairway near Police, the construction of an approach channel to Świnoujście and further improvements to port accessibility demonstrate that the development of the maritime economy requires concrete investment decisions. Ports do not operate in a vacuum. Their competitiveness depends on the depth of fairways, efficient logistics, the safety of navigation and the ability to handle ever-larger vessels.
No less important was the issue of the return of the Polish flag. This is a topic that has recurred for years in discussions about shipping and the competitiveness of Polish shipowners. The Congress demonstrated that a political declaration alone is not enough. Legal, tax and organisational solutions are needed to create realistic conditions for registering ships under the Polish flag. The law should act as a tool for development here, rather than an administrative barrier.
This is precisely why legislation in the maritime sector deserves particular attention today. The maritime sector is changing faster than many traditional regulations. Offshore operations, critical infrastructure, ports, supply chains, energy security and environmental protection require regulations that are predictable, consistent and practical. Good legislation should not merely describe reality; it should help to organise it.
Local content is also of great importance in offshore projects. The development of offshore wind energy in the Baltic Sea should create opportunities not only for the largest players, but also for local businesses, ports, shipyards, service providers, universities and specialists from the region. If Poland wishes to build lasting value from offshore projects, it must ensure that as much expertise, contract work and know-how as possible remains within the country, particularly in regions directly linked to the sea.
It is also a legal and contractual challenge. Local content cannot remain merely a slogan. It requires the careful design of tenders, contracts, requirements for the participation of local suppliers, mechanisms for cooperation with Polish companies, and stable rules for investors. Only then will offshore become a driving force for the entire economic ecosystem, rather than simply another market segment operated outside the local infrastructure.
We also wrote about local content recently in the article: Local content in the wind energy sector – the government’s definition of the ‘domestic component’ and its significance
The Congress also pointed out that maritime security today has a very broad scope. It encompasses not only shipping and ports, but also LNG terminals, subsea cables, pipelines, wind farms, ICT systems and energy infrastructure. All of this constitutes critical infrastructure that requires protection, investment and clear rules on liability.
The 12th International Maritime Congress demonstrated that Szczecin and Western Pomerania play a significant role in this debate. Today, the region brings together many key issues for the future of the maritime economy: ports, access to the sea, infrastructure investment, offshore activities, energy, logistics and security. It is a natural forum for discussing how to build Poland’s strong position in the Baltic Sea.
The conclusions following the Congress are clear: the maritime economy needs investment, but it equally needs sound legislation. Without effective legislation, it is difficult to talk about the return to the Polish flag, the effective development of the offshore sector, the protection of critical infrastructure or the competitiveness of ports. The sea is becoming one of the most important areas of economic policy and national security.
The week culminated in a meeting of representatives from the maritime sector – Herring 2026. Over 100 companies gathered at the Enea Arena, including entities from outside the region that work with the sector on a daily basis. The Baltic Laurel was awarded to Arkadiusz Marchewka, whilst the Amber Laurel went to the Maritime University. Congratulations to the winners and see you next year!
Photos from the 12th Maritime Congress:
Photos from Herring 2026:
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