The 12th International Maritime Congress in Szczecin reaffirmed the strategic importance of the maritime economy for national security, Poland’s economic development, and the strengthening of our country’s position in the European Union and the Baltic Sea region.

The debates held during the Congress indicated that the maritime economy is becoming an area that integrates security policy, energy transition, industrial development, logistics, and economic competitiveness. In the context of growing geopolitical instability, rapid technological change, and the energy transition, it is essential to pursue a coordinated national policy toward the maritime sector. The Program Council of the 12th International Maritime Congress presents the following conclusions and recommendations.

I. Security of the Baltic Sea and Critical Infrastructure

Security in the Baltic Sea has become one of the key strategic challenges for Poland and the entire Northern European region. The growing importance of energy, logistics, and telecommunications infrastructure in the Baltic Sea requires a comprehensive approach to protecting critical infrastructure and building the state’s resilience to hybrid
and cyber threats. In light of the above, it would be advisable to:

1. Recognizing road and rail access to seaports as part of the nation’s critical infrastructure (it would be advisable to address this issue
   in the nation’s strategic documents).
2. Development of a National Program for the Protection of Maritime and Subsea Infrastructure
3. The development of systems for monitoring maritime traffic and protecting energy, telecommunications, and logistics infrastructure.
4. Enhancing the resilience of ports, terminals, and offshore infrastructure against hybrid threats and cyberattacks.
5. The development of cooperation among the countries of the Baltic Sea region, NATO, and the European Union in the areas of military, economic,
   , and energy security.
6. Inclusion of offshore wind energy and subsea infrastructure
   in the national critical infrastructure protection system.

II. Competitive Shipping and a Strong Polish Flag

In the context of global competition, maintaining the competitiveness of the European
and the Polish maritime sector requires the creation of a stable and predictable regulatory environment, as well as an active policy supporting the development of maritime sector enterprises. With regard to achieving this objective, the following are particularly important:

1. Counteracting regulatory fragmentation between EU regulations and global IMO and ILO standards (the strength of European standards depends on their globalization, not their regionalization).
2. Allocating funds from the ETS system to the development, modernization
   , and decarbonization of the maritime sector.
3. Improving the operating conditions for the Polish flag and increasing its competitiveness (it would be advisable to encourage shipowners
   to shift their perspective from viewing it as a “flag of convenience” to seeing it as “the most resilient operating environment”).
4. Development of instruments to support the financing of shipowners' investments.
5. Developing niches and specializations, and in the ferry segment—further integrating shipowners and ferry operators (in light of the oligopolistic trends observed in the freight markets).
6. Stepping up efforts to strengthen cooperation between shipping companies and the academic community in order to make careers in the maritime sector more attractive.
7. Support the development of cross-border cooperation to strengthen the maritime sector’s role in ensuring sustainable development and economic security.

III. Resilient Supply Chains and National Raw Material Security

In the context of ongoing geopolitical instability, the security of supply of strategic raw materials is becoming one of the fundamental elements of a country’s economic security. These measures require, among other things:

1. Development of storage infrastructure for strategic energy, metal, chemical, and agricultural raw materials.
2. Increasing the level of strategic reserves.
3. Development of a system for monitoring geopolitical risks affecting maritime trade and logistics.
4. Strengthening sanctions risk management and cooperation between banks
   and logistics companies.
5. Developing cooperation between public administration, ports, shipowners, terminal operators, and the financial sector;
6. Development of contingency plans in the event of power
   , and logistical disruptions.
7. Supporting the diversification of supply routes and sources.
8. Establish a permanent forum for information exchange and early warning for the maritime sector.

IV. Seaports as Strategic Industrial, Logistical, and Defense Hubs

Seaports are playing an increasingly important role, not only in facilitating international trade but also in ensuring a country’s energy, logistical, and economic security. Their development should be based on a long-term strategy that integrates transportation, industrial, energy, and defense functions. The high volatility of the market environment should be viewed not only as a threat but also as an opportunity for the development of seaports and port operators. In light of the above, it is reasonable to:

1. Developing growth strategies at the level of ports/port complexes and individual companies operating in port areas. These documents should be consistent with the strategies and programs being developed at the national and European levels.
2. Synchronizing the activities of managing entities (at the investment level) and individual port operators—aimed at developing the capacity of port terminals—with investments that improve transportation access to seaports, including those carried out along key sections of the so-called “last mile.”
3. Developing the industrial and logistics functions of ports by establishing industrial parks, logistics centers, and manufacturing facilities.
4. The development of intermodal terminals and so-called dry ports as elements that strengthen the resilience of supply chains.
5. The development of port automation, along with employee retraining programs.
6. Strengthening the role of Polish ports in facilitating trade with Ukraine and in the process of Ukraine's reconstruction.
7. The development of dual-use infrastructure that supports both civilian and defense functions.
8. Port development should be based on a long-term national strategy that integrates transportation, economic, energy, and defense objectives.
9. Investments in access infrastructure,
   including the construction of the Red Road and the modernization of railway lines 201 and 273, are key to the competitiveness of the ports. For Szczecin and Świnoujście, it is particularly important to improve the technical parameters
   and expand the E59 railway line, fully utilize the Baltic-Adriatic corridor, and develop the Oder Waterway (ODW).

V. The Offshore and Maritime Industries as a Pillar of Economic Transformation

The development of offshore wind energy represents one of the greatest opportunities for growth in the Polish maritime economy. It should be leveraged to build the country’s long-term industrial, logistical, and technological capacity. In light of the above, it is particularly important to:

1. Recognition of the shipbuilding and offshore industry as a strategic sector for the economy
   and national security.
2. The transformation from the traditional shipbuilding and ship repair sector to the shipbuilding and offshore sector, with a wide range of production—from high-tech vessels, through structures for the offshore sector (not limited to offshore wind turbines), to the construction of multi-purpose marine drones.
3. Strengthening cooperation within the sector with domestic suppliers while ensuring equal opportunities for public and private companies in civil, dual-use
   , and military projects.
4. Continued involvement of government agencies and funds in the development of strategic projects in the shipbuilding and offshore sector.
5. Development of the Polish segment of the European supply chain for the offshore wind sector;
6. Supporting domestic manufacturers, shipyards, and logistics operators involved in offshore projects.
7. Development of installation and service ports for offshore wind energy.
8. Establish a support system for SMEs to enhance their capabilities in the field of offshore wind, including certification and financial support during the capacity-building phase.
9. Increasing the involvement of public institutions, state funds, and government agencies
   in the development of strategic offshore projects.
10. Ensuring effective coordination of public administration efforts to promote the sector's development.

VI. An Efficient Government for the Development of the Maritime Economy

The competitiveness of Polish ports and maritime sector companies requires further improvements in the efficiency of public administration and the reduction of procedural barriers. In this area, the following should be particularly important, among other things:

1. Further development of the digitization of border clearance and inspection processes;
2. Promoting and developing the Single Window system, including the rapid and comprehensive implementation of the Port Community System;
3. Conducting an analysis of the feasibility of integrating border control services;
4. Increasing the staffing and equipment of the services responsible for check-in
   and security screenings.
5. Reactivation of the Customs Service Advisory Council at the Ministry of Finance.
6. Implementation of solutions to simplify customs clearance under the DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms.
7. Conduct an analysis of the reasons why some cargo destined for the Polish market is unloaded at foreign ports;
8. Development of mechanisms for interagency coordination of strategic maritime economy projects.

VII. Energy Transition and Alternative Fuels for the Maritime Sector

The energy transition in the maritime sector requires coordinated efforts to support the development of new technologies and the adoption of alternative fuels. In this area, the following are particularly important:

1. Development of infrastructure for the production, storage, distribution, and bunkering of alternative fuels.
2. Developing contingency plans in the event of power outages and fuel shortages.
3. Supporting investments in green energy infrastructure in ports.
4. Use of national and European financial instruments to support the decarbonization of shipping;
5. Developing international cooperation to support the energy transition in the maritime sector;
6. Supporting the implementation of innovative technologies that reduce emissions
   in maritime transport and port operations.