The Port of Gdańsk is the largest seaport in Poland and one of the key ports in the Baltic region. As a universal port, it handles all types of cargo, including containers, chemicals, dry bulk goods, automotive shipments, and liquid fuels. In 2023, the Port of Gdańsk achieved a record-breaking cargo throughput of 81 million tons, underscoring its growing importance in the global supply chain.
Given the scale of the port’s operations and its vast area of 679 hectares, managing infrastructure requires a high level of organization and advanced technology. A crucial element of this system is the water and sewage infrastructure, which must operate efficiently to ensure the port’s smooth and uninterrupted operations.
To meet these demands, a consortium of Ecol-Unicon and Terlan has been executing a four-year contract since July 2024 for the operation, maintenance, and upkeep of the port’s water and sewage infrastructure.
Scope of work
The agreement covers operational management and the maintenance of the technical condition of the water and sewer networks, connections, installations, and equipment overseen by the Port of Gdańsk Authority S.A.
Key tasks include:
- Ensuring continuous water supply and wastewater disposal
Maintaining the seamless operation of the port’s water and sewage network, including the management of underground water intakes, water supply systems, ship water supply points, and stormwater and sanitary sewage systems.
- Operation, maintenance, and repairs
Conducting regular maintenance work and addressing failures in components such as wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations, and oil-substance separators. - Ship services
Providing water supply to vessels and wastewater collection and treatment in compliance with the MARPOL 73/78 Convention. - Technical emergency response
24/7 monitoring of infrastructure performance, rapid response to failures, and emergency intervention services. - Additional works
Carrying out repairs and upgrades to the water and sewage infrastructure in line with the Port of Gdańsk Authority’s needs.
Results and impact
A well-functioning water and sewage infrastructure is crucial for the daily operations of the Port of Gdańsk, a modern logistics hub of strategic importance to the Baltic region. Keeping the system in optimal technical condition ensures smooth port operations and minimizes the risk of failures that could disrupt cargo handling and vessel services.
A comprehensive infrastructure management approach enables effective planning of maintenance and repair activities, ensuring the system’s long-term efficiency. Regular maintenance of key components such as wastewater treatment plants, separators, and retention systems also supports environmental sustainability efforts, reducing the port’s environmental impact and ensuring compliance with legal and ecological standards.
Why is proper water and sewage infrastructure management strategically important for the Port of Gdańsk?
Efficient management of the water and sewage infrastructure at the Port of Gdańsk is critical, as any failure or disruption can directly impact port operations.
Managing such a complex system requires a combination of advanced technical expertise and continuous supervision, allowing for swift responses to emerging needs and ensuring full functionality of the infrastructure. Through comprehensive maintenance and regular servicing, we minimize the risk of failures while supporting the port in meeting the highest environmental and operational standards.
Adam Spisak, Operations Manager