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In a strategic move set to redefine Poland’s agricultural export infrastructure, Port Gdańsk Eksploatacja S.A. (PGE) has formally secured the necessary legal approval for the Gdańsk Agro Terminal (GAT) project — a landmark initiative that promises to transform the Port of Gdańsk into one of Europe’s most efficient hubs for grain storage, handling, and transshipment. Once completed in its entirety, the terminal is expected to handle nearly 3 million tonnes of cargo annually, significantly enhancing the competitive position of Polish agricultural products on global markets while reinforcing the nation’s economic sovereignty and food security.
The approval, which was granted after a thorough administrative review, clears the way for the implementation of the first phase of the GAT project, centered on the construction of a major warehouse facility at the Szczecińskie Quay. Given the quay’s location in a flood‑prone zone, obtaining a water‑law permit was essential, addressing environmental safeguards and regulatory compliance before ground could be broken on what will become one of the most ambitious infrastructure undertakings for Poland’s agribusiness sector in recent years.
The announcement confirms that this investment — fully financed with domestic capital by PGE S.A., a state‑owned entity within the Port of Gdańsk Authority group — enjoys robust backing at the highest levels of government. National authorities have underscored the project’s strategic importance, highlighting its potential to reshape Poland’s role in the global agri‑food supply chain and strengthen resilience in the face of changing market dynamics and geopolitical pressures.
A Milestone in Polish Agri‑Infrastructure
On July 7, 2025, Port Gdański Eksploatacja S.A. formalized a contract with Premium Quality Care for the first significant construction work of the GAT project: a large, modern flat warehouse at the Szczecińskie Quay. Designed to serve as a central pivot for grain storage and transshipment, this warehouse is the foundational element of a broader vision — to develop a fully integrated agricultural terminal capable of handling four times more cargo than the Port currently manages.
The warehouse, with a projected footprint of 7,000 square meters and a storage capacity of 30,000 tonnes, represents just the opening act of a multi‑stage plan that reaches into 2028 and beyond. The total investment for this initial phase alone is estimated at PLN 13.8 million, funded entirely from PGE’s own resources. Construction is scheduled between 2025 and 2026, aligning with broader enhancements to the port’s logistics and cargo infrastructure.
Pomeranian Voivode Approves Construction, Marking Key Milestone for Gdańsk Agro Terminal
Two Stages Toward Modernization
The GAT initiative has been planned in two distinct stages, each marking critical milestones in the long‑term expansion of Poland’s agricultural logistics capabilities:
Stage I (2025–2026) focuses on the construction of the flat warehouse at Szczecińskie Quay — now underway — forming the immediate backbone of the terminal’s operational capacity. Once completed, this facility will begin the process of elevating the port’s grain handling scope, providing modern storage conditions aligned with international export standards.
Stage II (2026–2028) will mark a dramatic leap forward in scale and capability. This phase contemplates the erection of a complex network of steel flat‑bottom silos at Wiślane Quay, with a combined storage capacity of 100,000 tonnes. In tandem with this expansion, planners also intend to integrate the GAT with the Port of Gdańsk’s broader cargo‑handling infrastructure — encompassing rail, road, and ship loading systems. This integration positions the terminal not merely as a silo park but as a fully connected logistics hub, capable of supporting rapid and efficient movement of agricultural goods.
Comprehensive Investment Blueprint
The current investment blueprint, while ambitious, reflects a highly structured approach to meeting the evolving needs of the agri‑food market. Key elements of the plan include:
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Construction of the primary flat warehouse at Szczecińskie Quay — 7,000 m² in size, capable of storing 30,000 tonnes of grain, and scheduled for completion by 2026.
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Development of a silo complex at Wiślane Quay, with a combined storage capacity of 100,000 tonnes. These steel flat‑bottom silos are engineered to accommodate a range of agricultural commodities under controlled conditions.
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Installation of a modern loading and unloading system capable of handling up to 1,000 tonnes per hour, a throughput capacity that will markedly speed up the port’s ability to move grain from storage to vessels with minimal delays.
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Comprehensive infrastructure integration, linking the terminal facilities with the port’s existing rail lines, road networks, and cargo‑handling services, ensuring that both inbound deliveries and outbound shipments proceed smoothly.
When viewed as a whole, these elements represent not just a physical expansion of capacity but a transformation in operational efficiency and reliability — a shift that will enable Polish exporters to compete more effectively on the world stage.
Responding to Market Needs and Global Demand
The Gdańsk Agro Terminal is more than an infrastructure project; it is a direct response to the expanding demands of global agricultural markets and the strategic imperative of export diversification. Polish grain producers have increasingly sought reliable, high‑capacity facilities that can support large‑scale shipments — particularly to markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia — where demand for quality European agricultural products continues to grow.
At present, the Port of Gdańsk’s inner port grain storage capacity stands at only 35,000 tonnes, and it handles approximately 0.7 million tonnes of grain per year. These figures, while respectable, lag significantly behind the potential capacity that an expanded terminal like GAT offers. Upon full completion, total storage capacity is expected to reach 160,000 tonnes, while annual transshipment capability could top 3 million tonnes — an increase of more than fourfold compared to current operations.
This projection underscores not only the scale of the investment but the confidence of stakeholders — including public authorities, investors, and logistics partners — in the future trajectory of Polish agricultural exports. With climate change, shifting trade patterns, and increasingly competitive supply chains around the world, having modernized, resilient infrastructure is a key determinant of long‑term market success.
The Port of Gdańsk’s Grain Ecosystem
The inner port of Gdańsk is already a bustling hub of grain handling activities, supported by a network of operators that collectively contribute to the region’s cargo throughput. Today, eight companies manage grain operations within the port environment:
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Port Gdański Eksploatacja (PGE)
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Magrol
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Gdańskie Młyny
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GBT
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Handel i Minerały
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Jargut
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Speed
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Fast Track
Together, these operators have helped drive a dramatic increase in grain handling over the past five years. Between 2019 and the present, the port’s annual grain throughput climbed from 2 million tonnes to 4.3 million tonnes, reflecting both rising export demand and expanded operational capabilities. Last year alone, grain handling reached 3.1 million tonnes, predominantly in export shipments, while between January and October of this year the total already stood at 2.4 million tonnes.
This growth trajectory not only demonstrates the expanding role of the Port of Gdańsk in agricultural trade but also highlights the need for additional capacity — precisely the gap that the GAT project aims to fill.
Looking Ahead: Infrastructure Renewal and Investment
The Gdańsk Agro Terminal is part of a broader infrastructural renaissance underway at the Port of Gdańsk Authority. Over the next three years, the Authority plans to allocate more than PLN 500 million toward the reconstruction of quay walls, modernization of railway connections, and enhancement of cargo movement systems within the inner port. These investments are designed to ensure that the port’s physical backbone — its quays and rail links — remains capable of supporting future growth, international competitiveness, and operational sustainability.
Experts note that port infrastructure, particularly in key export gateways like Gdańsk, is a critical determinant of national economic success. A modern, integrated logistics facility does more than store goods; it connects producers with global buyers, reduces bottlenecks, and enhances a country’s reputational standing in high‑volume trade sectors.
Strategic Importance for Poland and Beyond
Poland’s agricultural sector has been a cornerstone of the nation’s export economy for decades, producing staples such as wheat, barley, rapeseed, and corn for both European and global markets. However, the ability to efficiently store and export these products at scale has historically been constrained by infrastructure limitations.
The Gdańsk Agro Terminal aims to change that narrative. By providing modern storage facilities, streamlined loading systems, and seamless integration with broader transport networks, the project positions Poland to maximize its export potential — not only meeting present market demands but anticipating future growth.
Government officials have publicly affirmed the terminal’s role as part of a national strategy to bolster economic sovereignty, reduce exposure to external supply chain disruptions, and enhance food security — not only domestically but within the broader European context. In doing so, Poland aligns itself with global trends emphasizing infrastructure resilience, supply chain diversification, and value‑added export pathways.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Polish Agri‑Exports
The approval and commencement of the Gdańsk Agro Terminal initiative mark a significant milestone in Poland’s agricultural export strategy. From the construction of a state‑of‑the‑art warehouse at Szczecińskie Quay to the development of an integrated system of silos, rail connections, and handling facilities, the project reflects a comprehensive vision for the future of Polish trade.
With the capacity to handle up to 3 million tonnes of cargo annually and a total storage footprint of 160,000 tonnes, the terminal will not only enhance existing operations but set a new standard for efficiency and competitiveness in the Baltic region’s agri‑food logistics landscape. As construction progresses through 2028, stakeholders across the agricultural, transport, and economic policy fields will be watching closely, anticipating the many ways in which this infrastructure investment will reshape Poland’s role in global agricultural markets.
