New investment in Poland. Germany is afraid of competition

The new transhipment and warehouse terminal in Świnoujście raises emotions not only in Poland but also abroad. The OT Logistics company has announced plans to build a new infrastructure on the miners’ quay, which is to help increase storage capacity and improve transhipment capabilities. According to the investor, this project is a response to the growing demand for storage of liquid fuels and other liquid products.

Investment financing

The company’s management emphasizes that the project is in line with the adopted development strategy, assuming the diversification of logistics services and strengthening the position of OT Logistics as a key operator on the transport market. Analyzes regarding administrative procedures and obtaining necessary consents for the implementation of the investment are underway.

The investor is investigating various models of financing the new terminal. Three main options are taken into account: capital financing through the issue of shares or shares, debt financing or combining both of these methods. Currently, the Management Board is not planning to broadcast shares, although the final decision on this matter has not yet been made.

Germany reacts

Plans to expand the port caused a reaction in Germany. Representatives of German transhipment terminals expressed fears that a new investment in Świnoujście may threaten the competitiveness of their ports. Karsten Lentz, head of the Euroports transhipment company in Rostock, pointed out in an interview with the German Dziennik Ostlye Zeitung on differences in environmental regulations between Poland and Germany. In his opinion, Polish investors can use less strict ecological standards, which can translate into a cost advantage.

“Polish investors approach environmental issues less seriously during the expansion of the port,” he said in an interview with the diary.

“We have nothing against fair competition, but if there are other standards in Poland than here, for example in the field of environmental protection, this is a problem,” says Gazeta Jens Scharner, head of the port operator Rostock Port.

Poland responds

The allegations from German operators were commented on in social media by Rafał Zahorski, a port development proxy on the board of the Ports of Szczecin and Świnoujście.

“People from the Central Association of German Port Operators and some people from the port of Rostock cited in the article are very bad. Port of Szczecin-Świnoujście has never been similar to the port of Rostock and we have always expressed ourselves about our neighbors in a very positive light. – he wrote on Facebook.

Important investment in Poland

The transhipment terminal in Świnoujście can significantly strengthen Poland’s position on the European transport market. The new investment means an increase in the port’s transhipment capabilities, which can attract more investors and increase employment in the region. Świnoujście authorities hope that modern infrastructure will allow to effectively compete with the largest ports of Europe.

Plans to expand the port in Świnoujście become part of a larger strategy for strengthening the Polish maritime economy. An increase in transhipment and storage capabilities may translate into greater transport independence of Poland and a reduction in the need to use foreign terminals. Will Świnoujście become one of the key ports in Europe? The final shape of the project and its implementation will show what significance the new investment will have for the region and the whole country.