January 20, 2025
- Decline in Freight Transport:
- The main Świnoujście to Sweden ferry route experienced a 10% drop in freight, handling 9 million tonnes in 2024, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure.
- Polish shipowners lost almost 20 percentage points of market share on the key route to Ystad due to competition from foreign operators with larger, more modern ferries.
- Competition Impact:
- Foreign operators with ferries featuring lane metre capacities over 4,000 outcompete Polish ferries, which average 1,500m.
- TT Line and Finnlines have contributed to market saturation, challenging Polish operators like Unity Line and Polferries.
- Delayed Ferry Modernisation:
- New Polish ferries were planned for 2017 but faced repeated delays.
- Polferries added the VARSOVIA ferry in 2024, purchased under an emergency procedure from Italy.
- The government-funded construction of three ferries by Remontowa Shipyard has faced financial difficulties, delaying the completion of the third unit.
- Financial Struggles:
- A PLN 1 billion fund (PLN 650 million subsidy + PLN 350 million loan) financed ferry construction but fell short due to increased costs and market downturns.
- Over PLN 500 million is needed to complete the third ferry.
- Operational Challenges:
- Polish shipowners face additional costs due to ETS emission rights, which will reach 100% in 2025 unless vessels use LNG propulsion.
- Ferries under construction will feature LNG systems, but retrofitting older ferries is cost-prohibitive.
- Positive User Feedback:
- Increased competition improved service quality and lowered freight rates, benefiting users despite challenges for operators.
- Future Outlook:
- While the demand for ferry transport has dropped, modest growth in Swedish GDP (forecasted at 1.8% in 2025) may lead to increased freight volumes.
- Industry stakeholders highlight the need for operational cooperation between Unity Line and Polferries to regain market share.
Conclusion:
Polish ferry operators face stiff competition, financial challenges, and declining freight volumes. Despite these hurdles, investments in LNG-powered ferries and potential market recovery could provide opportunities for growth in the coming years.
Source: https://logistyka.rp.pl/morski/art41669741-brakuje-ponad-pol-mld-zl-na-nowe-promy