On June 16, 2025, during the National Energy Summit in Gdańsk, a strategic agreement was signed to build Poland's first fleet of WTIV installation vessels for offshore wind farms. The signatories are CRIST SA, WIKE SA, Employers of Pomerania, and the Baltic Institute for Energy Transformation (BETI). The project aims to increase the participation of Polish companies in offshore wind energy, create up to 7,000 jobs, and engage over 100 domestic entities. The Polish fleet is intended to make the sector independent of foreign contractors, reduce energy costs, and increase the security of critical infrastructure. The WTIVs will also be able to perform strategic and defensive functions in the Baltic Sea.
Source: portalmorski.pl
The tanker Khatanga, immobilized in the Port of Gdynia since 2017, has been sold to the Danish shipyard Smedegaarden A/S in Esbjerg. The vessel had previously been detained by the Maritime Office due to technical irregularities, and after the bankruptcy of the Russian shipowner, it remained unattended. For years, it generated costs and problems, including breaking away from its moorings and requiring security measures. A key factor in resolving the matter was the vessel's formal designation as waste, which allowed for its legal removal and sale. The port will earn a small profit from the transaction, but enough to cover the vessel's maintenance costs.
Photo GospodarkaMorska.pl
Finland's new defense strategy emphasizes Poland's growing role as a key partner in the region, due to its influence and intensive military investments. Poland, alongside the Scandinavian countries, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, was identified as one of Finland's most important security allies. It noted that NATO's eastern flank countries, including Poland, are increasing their defense spending to 3.2–4.7 percent of GDP, and in the future, even up to 5 percent of GDP. The Finnish strategy places particular emphasis on cooperation in the Baltic Sea region, where Poland and Germany are expected to play a significant role. Poland's significant military buildup was considered a foundation for deepening regional security cooperation.
Source: PAP
In Tallinn, Minister Tomasz Siemoniak participated in a meeting with representatives of the Nordic and Baltic states, the EU, and Frontex, devoted to countering foreign hybrid operations and information manipulation. He emphasized that regional cooperation is crucial to ensuring the security of citizens. A few days earlier, during the Central and Eastern Europe Security Forum in Warsaw, a joint declaration on Baltic Sea security was announced, signed by Poland, Germany, and the Nordic-Baltic states, among others. The document, initiated by the Ministry of National Defense, demonstrates Poland's growing leadership in the region. It also marks the beginning of the implementation of the "Baltic Shield" strategy – a project to build a common defense and resilience system in the region.
Photo: Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Scientists from the Łukasiewicz Institute of Technology and the University of Gdańsk conducted a pilot project, CRISTAL, testing cargo shipping on the Oder and Vistula rivers. This project revealed serious problems with infrastructure and water conditions. Barge voyages encountered numerous disruptions, including several-month stops and reroutings due to repairs and low water levels, particularly on the Vistula. Smart buoys were deployed to monitor river parameters to aid in transport planning and improve safety. Despite the potential of inland waterway transport as a low-emission alternative, the current unpredictability discourages potential customers. The project aims to increase the share of waterborne transport by 20% with 80% reliability, supporting EU climate policy.
Photo Depositphotos
