Port Pro of the Month: Alan Aleksandrowicz (PL)
26 November 2024
Meet our Port Pro of the Month, Alan Aleksandrowicz, Vice-President and CFO of the Port of Gdańsk Authority. In the sections below, you will explore insights on investment and energy projects in Poland’s largest port, along with the critical role of security in the port industry. Discover these and other fascinating topics outlined by our port professional of the month below!
Alan Aleksandrowicz, Vice-President and CFO of the Port of Gdańsk Authority
Can you briefly tell us about the Port of Gdańsk, highlighting its key features and current challenges?
The Port of Gdańsk is Poland’s largest seaport and a strategic gateway to Central and Eastern Europe. As one of the Baltic Sea's major hubs, we handle diverse cargo, from containerised goods to bulk commodities like coal and oil. Our main advantages include deepwater terminals and strong connectivity to European rail and road networks. Challenges we are currently facing seem to be the growing demand for green energy and eco-friendly infrastructure as well as adapting quickly to changing economic and geopolitical situations. In response to these challenges, we continue to make big investments aimed at maintaining our position as a leading port in the Baltic region that commits to energy transition as well as economic and energy security of the country.
The investment in port infrastructure is of key importance, as was stated during the 16th Economic European Economic Congress: ‘The most important thing is to strengthen Polish ports in terms of infrastructure. They are crucial for the transport of cargo, including when it comes to the reconstruction of Ukraine. That war will end one day’. Please could you further elaborate on the main investment projects in infrastructure at the Port of Gdansk?
We want to become a sustainable port in the blue and green economy. Therefore, we are currently running several projects like the modernisation of the fairway, onshore power (OPS) system installation or the offshore marshalling port, which is currently under construction. We place great emphasis on rail and road infrastructure, which is essential for multimodal connections. Our key initiatives include also other transformative projects to boost our capacity and efficiency like building the T3 (Third terminal) deepwater quay at the Baltic Hub Container Terminal and the Przemysłowe Wharf construction to further support local growth and international trade, also – in the future – with Ukraine.
In this line, with regards to investments, we read that the construction of the Przemysłowe Wharf, located on the right bank of the Inner Port in Gdańsk, was scheduled to start in the first week of January 2024. Please, could you further explain this investment project?
This project involves constructing a modern quay on the right bank of the Inner Port. It is designed to accommodate diverse cargo operations and enhance berthing capacity to streamline logistics. This significant development includes modern handling infrastructure and improves access roads as well as integration with rail systems. All this is done to align with the port's strategy to increase operational efficiency and strengthen our role as a key hub in the European Transport Network (TEN-T).
©Port of Gdańsk Authority
How does the construction of the T3 quay, which is part of the Port of Gdańsk Baltic Hub Container Terminal (BHCT), represent a significant milestone in the development of Poland’s maritime economy, and what specific contributions has the port made to enhance Poland’s position in international trade and economic growth?
Thanks to this project, the container handling capacity will increase to over 4.5 million TEUs annually (currently it is approximately 3 million). As the volumes are expected to increase until 2030 and beyond, alongside market growth, this development will strengthen our status as a transshipment hub for the Baltic Sea and gateway to Central Eastern Europe (CEE). It will also enhance Poland’s connectivity to global markets. Moreover, by servicing the largest vessels, we will play an even bigger role in facilitating international trade and supporting the economic growth of Poland and CEE region.
In the coming year the European Commission will start the preparations of the new multiannual budget. We hear that the plan could be to step away from a dedicated transport funding programme like the Connecting Europe Facility. How important is it for Gdansk to have dedicated transport funding at EU level?
Thanks to the CEF funds dedicated to seaports, we managed to rebuild some of our quays and modernise the road and rail networks in the Port of Gdańsk. The continued functioning of the program and the funds from the "Connecting Europe Facility" instrument provide an opportunity to continue our investment plans in port infrastructure, which is characterised by high capital intensity and long usage periods. We are aware of the importance of investments in sustainable development, automation, innovation and energy transformation. We want to meet the changing requirements of the port sector; therefore, we hope for further financial support to be able to create value not only for port users but also for the entire society as a whole, while speeding up the process of decarbonisation and our transition into a sustainable transport and clean energy hub.
What is the strategic importance of the agreements which have been signed by the Port of Gdańsk, the Maritime Office in Gdynia and the GAZ-System, for the development of a floating LNG terminal (FSRU) in the Port of Gdańsk? How will this project contribute to Poland’s energy security and diversification of natural gas supply?
The floating LNG terminal (FSRU) in the Port of Gdańsk, developed in collaboration with the Maritime Office in Gdynia and GAZ-System, enhances Poland's energy security by diversifying natural gas supplies. It supports the transition to cleaner energy, reduces dependency on Russian gas and strengthens regional energy resilience. This terminal positions Poland as a crucial hub for energy imports in Central and Eastern Europe, providing 6 trillion cubic meters- one-third of Poland's entire LNG demand-in its first phase. It will also enable the bunkering of LNG ships.
©Port of Gdańsk Authority
With respect to sustainability, we read that the Port of Gdańsk received funding for the project ‘Improving the infrastructure of the Port of Gdansk with an analysis for implementing the low-emission OPS system for the sustainable development of the TEN-T network’, as part of the Connecting Europe Facility for 2021-2027 (CEF 2). In this respect, how will this investment enhance the operational capacity and connectivity of the port?
The low-emission Onshore Power Supply (OPS) system, funded by the CEF, will enable vessels to connect to electricity while docked, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. This investment enhances the port’s operational capacity, aligns with EU sustainability goals, and strengthens the position of Gdańsk in the TEN-T network. It also attracts environmentally conscious operators, fostering a greener port ecosystem. Additionally, it will also improve air quality and reduce noise pollution, enhancing the quality-of-life for people living in the neighbourhood and creating healthier, more sustainable urban living conditions.
The greening of a port requires the help of all port stakeholders. What can the Port of Gdańsk do to encourage all stakeholders to adopt more sustainable policies in their operations?
The group of stakeholders in the Port of Gdansk is broad and diverse, but each element of this organism should share a common vision and clear common goals for sustainability. By taking actions ourselves, such as investing in green infrastructure technologies, we want to encourage other entities to undertake sustainable projects simultaneously. We consider setting a good example and direction as our duty. We want to support good practices so that they reach the widest possible audience – which is why we offer financial incentives, such as reduced port fees for shipping companies and other port users that implement environmentally friendly practices ("rewarding” the use of cleaner fuels).
©Port of Gdańsk Authority
The geopolitical landscape is changing drastically. What does that mean for the Port of Gdansk? What is the role of the Port of Gdansk in strengthening Europe’s resilience?
Geopolitical shifts have strengthened the role of our port as a strategic transport hub in Europe. Now we facilitate critical supply chains resilience, support Ukraine's logistics, and play an important role in diversifying energy materials imports. Strengthening our infrastructure will further ensure our ability to adapt to emerging trade routes and safeguard Europe's economic and energy security.
Could you share with us how you began your career in maritime sector and the professional journey that led you to your current role as Vice-President and CFO of the Port of Gdańsk?
Being the President of InvestGDA – the Gdańsk Economic Development Agency Ltd. for 12 years, I led initiatives supporting investors and activating strategic investment areas, especially in the industrial and logistic part of the seaport in Gdańsk. I have extensive experience in managing large-scale investment projects, gained when I served as Deputy Mayor of Gdańsk for Investments (2019–2022), overseeing key urban infrastructure developments. My governance capabilities were also strengthened when I chaired boards of various municipal and economic entities. I believe these are my international collaboration experience and strategic vision, honed through my roles connected with promoting partnerships and economic growth of Gdańsk, that align well with managing the Port's global trade operations. My expertise in infrastructure, business support and international relations help me drive the development and competitiveness of the Port of Gdańsk as well as the Baltic Ports Organization, of which I am a Board member.
Lastly, if you had to bring us to your favourite spot in the Port of Gdańsk, where would you take us?
My favourite spot in the Port of Gdańsk is the Northern Port Captain’s Office, located in the 11-floor tower – a lighthouse. This location offers a truly spectacular view of the entire Port of Gdańsk, and the beauty of the Baltic Sea. Standing there, you can watch the dynamic movements of cargo ships, tugboats and cranes, working in perfect harmony. Since the building walls are round and have windows on every side, you can see both – the outer and inner parts of our port, which allows us to appreciate its almost one-thousand-year history as well as the vibrant port of the 21st century.
©Port of Gdańsk Authority
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