On May 15–16, 2025, Szczecin became the center of debate on the future of the European maritime economy as it hosted the 11th edition of the International Maritime Congress. After a one-year hiatus, the event returned with renewed energy and an ambitious agenda, attracting representatives from government, European institutions, local authorities, academia, and the maritime business sector from across Poland and Europe.

The Congress was accompanied by an informal meeting of ministers responsible for maritime affairs from EU Member States and EFTA countries, organized under the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The Prime Minister, Ministers, and the “Polish Sea” Program
The Congress was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who presented the government's new maritime initiative: the “Polish Sea” program. Its key objectives include tripling cargo throughput at Polish ports by 2030, repolonizing the maritime sector, revitalizing shipyards, and restoring the Polish flag to domestically owned vessels.

A symbolic gesture during the opening ceremony—handing over the Polish flag to Deputy Minister Arkadiusz Marchewka—marked the return of the national flag after more than 20 years of absence from Polish-owned ships.

The Prime Minister also announced the construction of a new training tall ship and three state-of-the-art ferries, the first of which is set to enter service in October 2025. Addressing maritime security, he introduced the “Baltic Watch” initiative, aimed at strengthening international protection of the Baltic Sea in cooperation with NATO countries.

Infrastructure Investment – A Priority for the Ministry of Infrastructure
Minister of Infrastructure Dariusz Klimczak announced a series of strategic investments, including the construction of Szczecin’s western bypass with a tunnel under the Oder River (the so-called “Zośka”) valued at PLN 8 billion, modernization of the Nadodrzanka railway line, and improved access to seaports. He also confirmed accelerated work on expressways S3, S6, and S10.

Support for the Shipbuilding and Ferry Industries
Deputy Minister Arkadiusz Marchewka revealed the launch of a PLN 1.3 billion support program for ferry construction in Polish shipyards. Additionally, a PLN 240 million agreement was signed with Szczecin Shipyard Wulkan and MSR Gryfia, enabling the development of new production halls, a state-of-the-art machinery park, and a dock capable of servicing the largest vessels entering Szczecin.
The Deputy Minister also presented initial legislative proposals to support the return of the Polish flag, including a bill on voluntary and preferential social insurance for seafarers, along with a new tax system for shipowners.

The Congress as a European Forum for Maritime Dialogue
A key element of the Congress was the informal meeting of EU maritime economy ministers, which concluded with the adoption of the Szczecin Declaration—a document urging the swift development of an EU Maritime Industry Strategy. The declaration was handed over to a representative of the European Commission as a joint appeal from EU and EFTA countries.
Over two days, the Congress hosted 15 expert panels centered around four thematic blocks: ports and shipping, the sustainable blue economy, multimodal transport, and the offshore sector. More than 90 speakers, moderators, and panelists participated, representing academia, business, and public administration.

Szczecin – A True Maritime Capital of Europe
Minister Klimczak referred to Szczecin as the “maritime capital of Europe”—a phrase that captured both the spirit of the event and the city’s strategic importance for the future of the maritime sector. Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that Szczecin and Świnoujście are set to become the center of Poland’s maritime economy thanks to new investments and improved transport accessibility.

With more than 1,000 guests and attendees, the event reaffirmed Poland’s—and particularly Szczecin’s—growing role in the European maritime transport, logistics, and security ecosystem. The clear investment announcements, high-level political involvement, and broad industry participation made this year's Congress one of the most significant maritime events in Europe.