First half-year at the Port of Gdansk

05.07.2007

Close to 11 million tonnes of cargo have been handled in the first half-year at the quays and facilities of the Port of Gdansk. This volume proves slightly less than the one reported for the respective period of the previous year. The result attained has been significantly affected by a severe decrease in coal exports, which brought about a reduction in coal handling volumes in the Northern Port.

Marek Czernowski, Port's Chief Dispatcher, emphasizes that - with the exception of coal turnover which has dropped by nearly 2 million tonnes - all other types of cargoes processed have reported an overall growth of nearly 1 million tonnes. There have been more fuels, grain, bulk and general cargo, including containers. A significant rise of 30% as compared with first six months of last year has been observed in passenger cars turnover in transit. The port has again handled ore, though in small quantities. However, by December, small-size carriers are scheduled to bring a total of approx. 30 thou. tonnes.

It is widely expected that this year's turnover figures for the Port of Gdansk should be maintained at a very high level, similar to that observed over the past few years i.e. in excess of 20 million tonnes. This is particularly due to that fact that seaports normally attain better results in the second-half of the year. It is also envisaged that the rising volumes of loaded and discharged general cargo, fuels and bulks will have offset the loss resulting from the decreased coal turnover. Additionally, this autumn will see the launch of container services at the huge Deepwater Container Terminal Gdansk based in the Northern Port. By the end of the year, the terminal is expected to attain the turnover of approx. 20 thou. TEU's i.e. 20-feet containers. This, in turn, will substantially boost this year's overall turnover result of the port.

Jacek Sienski
Dziennik Baltycki Daily