The idea of a cluster is to integrate often competitive entities which act on the same or similar markets and which wish to cooperate within a strong and cohesive group.

“We have invited you to take part in the cluster with a feeling that we should take joint action to develop the maritime economy,” said Jarosław Siergiej, President of the Szczecin and Swinoujscie Seaports Authority to welcome the participant. “As an industry, we should support one another and speak with one voice, because only then will we become an important partner in discussions that concern us.

The mission of the West Pomerania Maritime Cluster is to develop strong relationships and promote an image of an integrated and innovative environment of maritime interests by taking joint steps to strengthen the international position of regional maritime companies.

During the meeting, the participants learnt about the strategic goals of the cluster and the proposed organizational structure: a consortium of partners, a board of the cluster, technical secretariat and auditing team. It was also proposed that eight focus groups could be created within which the cluster participants could cooperate depending on the type of their business: transport, freight forwarding, logistics, ports, shipyards, fishery and fish processing, water tourism, sport, entertainment, environmental protection, education, research and development and a multi-disciplinary group.

During the discussion it was agreed that the idea of a maritime cluster is very important because it will enable joint specification of problems which so far the companies had to deal with on their own. Now, acting together, it will be possible to use the interactions between individual entities and sectors. A cluster may also heavily contribute to improving the competitiveness of associated entities by sharing knowledge, joint research, promotion and economic and legislative initiatives.

The Szczecin and Swinoujscie Seaports Authority undertook to draft a consortium agreement for the entities which have declared their participation in the cluster. Support for the idea has also been offered by the West Pomerania Marshal’s Office.
 

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