GTK - experience and future

21.11.2011

GTK - a forerunner of container handling in the Gdansk port - assures its loyal clients that it is still needed and has its position within Baltic container shipping.

On 25th of November, Gdansk Container Terminal (GTK) launches another container line. On this day, m/v BR VICTORIA of "Team Lines" is calling there. The POL2 service is to cover a weekly connection Hamburg (Tuesday) - Szczecin (Thursday) - Gdansk (Friday). With the new agreement, GTK - a forerunner of container handling in the Gdansk port - assures its loyal clients that it is still needed and has its position within Baltic container shipping.

GTK is currently running the "Unifeeder", "Team Lines" and "CMA CGM" regular registered shipping lines. It employs the Szczecinskie Quay for receiving and loading of containers shipped between Gdansk and Rotterdam, Imminngham, South Shields, Grangemouth, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Kaliningrad, Kotka and, of course, Gdynia and Szczecin. The terminal, with an annual handling capacity of 90-100 thousand TEU, is dealing with the crisis quite well. In the difficult 2010, it applied 60% of its capacity. 2011 is likely to bring slightly worse results - up till mid November, GTK has handled just under 40,000 TEU. Against all odds, there are still ship owners standing by the terminal and trusting in the envisaged increase in Baltic container turnovers.

Analyses released by "Maersk Line" recently show that accessibility and reliability of services as well as their simplicity and timely deliveries are qualities that clients value most. GTK founder and former head for many years Krystian Klein and the current President Karolina Wlodarczyk always emphasise that friendly attitude is GTK's most prominent feature. This attribute is a synthesis of all the vital elements of the container tycoon's latest proposal - the "Daily Maersk" service, which Maersk line offers within the package of connections between Asia and Europe. Oceangoing giant ships, operating between four Asian and three European ports, are to ensure such a comfort of service as that guaranteed by feeder ships operating between Gdansk Container Terminal and all major Baltic ports. GTK is moving ahead boldly through the 13th year of its operations in the Baltic container shipping market, despite all the hardships - so unpredictable for stakeholders of maritime goods exchange - other EU economies are struggling with. Let us hope that the optimistic forecasts for the tycoons of Baltic container shipping will enable also the first small container terminal in Gdansk to invest into a bright future. Never too much of competition, a basic tool of progress and economic liberalism.

PGA SA PR Officer