During the Salmon Evening gala at BALTEXPO 2025, the maritime industry's most prestigious awards – the Golden Anchors – were presented. These awards have long honored companies, institutions, and individuals whose projects, products, services, or activities have had a key impact on the development of Poland's maritime economy and security over the past two years. This year's edition demonstrated the dynamic changes in the maritime sector, focusing on innovation, safety, and sustainable development.
Category: Infrastructure
In the Infrastructure category, two equal awards went to CRIST SA and PORR SA. CRIST Shipyard was recognized for its construction of the specialized vessels NB100 and NB131, which played a key role in the implementation of the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel – one of the largest infrastructure investments in Europe. These technologically advanced vessels set new standards in the offshore industry, supporting the development of precision underwater technologies. PORR SA was honored for the expansion of the offshore section of the LNG Terminal in Świnoujście, which significantly increased the operational capabilities of this investment, which is strategic for Poland's energy security.
Category: Innovation
In the Innovation category, CRIST Shipyard once again triumphed, with its NB100 and NB131 projects exemplifying modern marine engineering, automation and ecological solutions supporting the construction of one of the largest undersea tunnels in the world.
Category: Military
The award in the Military category went to Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (Polish Armaments Group) for the "Miecznik" program – the largest modernization project in the history of the Polish Navy. The construction of three modern multi-role frigates will not only strengthen national security but also contribute to the development of the domestic shipbuilding and defense industries.
Category: Offshore
In the Offshore category, PORR was recognized for the construction of an installation terminal for offshore wind farms in Świnoujście, which opens up new perspectives for Polish renewable energy.
Category: Shipbuilding
In the Shipbuilding Industry category, awards were given to REMONTOWA HOLDING SA for the construction of modern Ro-Pax ferries and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa for the "Miecznik" program, which stimulates the development of the maritime and military industries through technology transfer and increasing the competences of domestic shipyards.
Category: Inland Navigation
In the Inland Navigation category, Navishipprojekt was awarded for its innovative inland pusher with a low draft, enabling the transport of large-sized cargo even at minimum water levels on the Oder River.
Category: Startup
The award in the Startup category was given to AFLEET, which was recognized for its innovative, unmanned floating platform for marine research, including the seabed, characterized by ease of adaptation to customer expectations and setting new directions in the Polish maritime economy.
The evening culminated in the presentation of the Personality of the Year award, which this year went to Minister Arkadiusz Marchewka, the initiator of the "Szczecin Declaration," a document charting a new course for European maritime and industrial policy. The BALTEXPO 2025 Golden Anchors once again demonstrated that the Polish maritime industry is ready for the challenges of the future, and its leaders are setting standards not only domestically but also internationally.
Category: Personality of the Year
Minister Arkadiusz Marchewka, winner of the Golden Anchor in the Personality of the Year category, is one of the most important architects of contemporary maritime policy in Poland. As the initiator of the "Szczecin Declaration," adopted during the informal meeting of EU and EFTA maritime affairs ministers in May 2025, he emphasized the strategic importance of the maritime industry for Europe's security and autonomy. For years, Minister Marchewka has been involved in the development of ports, shipping, and the shipbuilding industry, supporting innovation and sustainable development. His activities contribute to strengthening Poland's position as a leader in the Baltic Sea region and building a modern, competitive maritime economy.