The figures wrapping up the Third International Maritime Congress are as follows: over 80 lectures, debates and discussion panels, 50 speakers, more than 1,000 participants with representatives of several hundred European, American and Chinese companies and institutions among them, and 4 fringe events. All of these took place over three consecutive days, from 10 to 12 June 2015, in the Philharmonic Hall of Szczecin and at the Radisson Blu hotel. 

 

“I believe the congress was a success. The distinguished guests who attended it and the diversity of interesting topics discussed corroborate this conclusion”, said Dariusz Więcaszek , Chairman of PIG and the initiator of the Congress, during the closing gala organized on board of Dar Młodzieży ship moored off Wały Chrobrego embankment.   “Many Polish and foreign guests confirmed that the Congress went very well,” added Paweł Szynkaruk, Director of PŻM.

 

Among the key conclusions drawn on the basis the Congress discussions is the need to reinforce the road and railway infrastructure as well as inland water route system so as to streamline the transportation of cargo from ports - both in Poland and all over the EU.    

 

Jerzy Buzek, former Polish Prime Minister who was the special guest of the Congress, commented on the gravity of the matters discussed during the event:  "The Maritime Congress ideally addresses the needs of the marine economy, and the topics discussed coincide with the fundamental drivers of the EU development. What I have learned here will be very helpful for the work of the commission - which I am the leader of – when we formulate the conclusions of the report on “Blue Economy”.

In 2012 in Limassol the maritime business was recognized as an important link for the European economy which may contribute to its rebound.  We are aware that Europe is in a state of economic downswing. The annual income of EUR 500 billion to be expected from the marine sector and the 5 million of persons employed in it are not to be ignored", he added.  

 

Jerzy Buzek also listed the most important issues to be addressed: the European programme entitled Horizon 2020 treats development and innovation in marine economy as one of the priorities. First of all, marine economy should become Poland’s smart specialization - this is a conclusion that needs to be remembered as the heritage of the Congress.  Another matter is the connection between the coastal area and the mainland – there is still a lot of room for improvement in this sphere. In Szczecin the road connections between Świnoujście and Hradec Králové (S3) and Gdańsk and Szczecin are of primary importance. Thirdly, the exploitation of natural resources, to be more precise rare metals, on the Pacific Ocean (to which Poland enjoys full rights according to international agreements) is vital.

 

However, conclusions from individual Congress panels only mark the beginnings, the introduction to taking further action steps. The meeting and debates that will follow should translate into specific regulations to be passed by the government and as part of European strategic documents. As Paweł Szynkaruk ensured the press, “We will be discussing these conclusions at length all year long. The next debate will be held on 21 July in the Seym, then in autumn we will meet with the Commission of Infrastructure and members of the Parliament.”

 

The organizers claim that these actions steps will be verified during the Fourth International Maritime Congress to be held on 8 – 10 June 2016.

 

AK