Major modernisation and construction works are expected to improve the efficiency and safety of operations at the Port of Gdansk in northern Poland. Work includes building and upgrading four breakwaters with a total length of 3 957 m, and constructing two internal waterways and a turning basin. The changes increase navigational safety and capacity in the port’s northern section.
Modernising breakwaters set to improve operations in Port of Gdansk, Poland
- 26 July 2019
Traffic in the northern port has steadily increased over the years, but its single-lane approach channel causes congestion, which increases travel time for ships. The narrow passage increases the risk of accidents and hampers port efficiency as ships can be delayed disembarking their goods. In addition, the underwater concrete structure of the North breakwater has been damaged and the height of its crown wall is insufficient to withstand large waves caused by stormy weather.
Multifaceted project
These problems are being addressed through a variety of measures which include:
Rehabilitating the existing North breakwater along its 1 625m length;Upgrading the existing island breakwater along its 653 m length;Extending the existing central breakwater through the construction a new 853 m section;Building a new 826 m breakwater to the south-east.Dredging is being carried out to develop the turning basin. An internal channel is being created which connects the new turning basin with the existing one. As the changes are made, existing navigational beacons are being relocated and new ones installed where required. A platform is being constructed between the existing central breakwater and its extension, which can be used as a temporary rest stop for migrating birds.
Key benefits
The alterations help improve the Port of Gdansk’s competitiveness by making it a more attractive destination for freight operators. The improvements make it less likely that the port has to close during stormy weather and the new two-way channel improves capacity and operational efficiency.
At local level, the project supports development of port hinterland and surrounding urban areas. At regional level, it strengthens the competitiveness of the Pomorskie region. The port is part of the EU’s Trans-European Transport network (TEN-T) and a crucial gateway for freight transport connecting Gdansk with the Baltic Sea. Completion of the project contributes to the general objectives of the EU-level strategies to improve maritime transport by making it more attractive and competitive.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Modernisation of breakwaters in the North Harbour in Gdansk” is EUR 182 746 017, with the EU’s Cohesion Fund contributing EUR 155 204 033 through the “Infrastructure and Environment” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “3 – Development of TEN-T road network and multimodal transport”.