International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has completed Phase 1 of a two-phase major upgrade at its Baltic Container Terminal (BCT) in Gdynia, in coordination with the Port of Gdynia Authority. The upgrade is a crucial step in the port’s effort to accommodate larger vessels, with Phase 2 expected to be finished by September.

The $42 million project included the construction of 400 meters of quay with a depth of 15.5 meters, and additional works such as the installation of a new third rail, hydrotechnical structures, and road and utility networks. The upgrade will allow vessels with a 14.7-meter draft and 400-meter length to dock at BCT.

“The completion of Phase 1 of our development program lays the foundation from which major benefits will be made available to clients,” explained Wojciech Szymulewicz, BCT Chief Executive Officer.

“With the realization of Phase 2, there will be a comprehensive upgrade of BCT’s operational capabilities, particularly in terms of vessel accommodation and overall throughput potential. Phase 2’s completion will be accompanied by the delivery of either two or four new super post-Panamax quay cranes, which will significantly increase the berthing and operational capacities of the quay. The cranes are also expected to raise BCT’s annual berth handling capacity to between 1.2 million and 1.6 million TEUs depending on the final configuration,” he elaborated further.

The combined investment for both phases is expected to exceed $84 million, with Phase 2 slated for completion by the end of Q2 2026. Phase 2 will involve additional quay reconstruction, crane tracks, heavy-duty surfaces, and modern utility and hydrotechnical infrastructure.

In addition to the terminal upgrade, BCT will implement the Navis N4 4 Terminal Operating System in October. This system will enable a truck driver appointment system, enhancing operational efficiency. Further optimization tools, such as Prime Route for internal container transport and Expert Docking for intelligent container stacking, will also be introduced.

The Port Authority of Gdynia is also planning to launch a tender in Q3 2025 to build an internal road connecting a nine-hectare storage yard with Helskie Quay. This will increase container storage capacity, with the entire project expected to be completed in 2026.

BCT is already seeing benefits from the recent construction of the Gdynia Port Rail Station, which has increased capacity and efficiency, significantly reducing train stoppages and improving transit times. In 2024, 17 percent of BCT’s annual container volume, approximately 100,000 TEUs, was moved by rail, with the figure expected to rise as the development program progresses. Overall annual throughput at BCT reached 560,000 TEUs in 2024.

Commenting on the overall development, Hans-Ole Madsen, ICTSI Senior Vice President and EMEA Region Head, noted: “We are pleased to have successfully worked with the Port of Authority of Gdynia to realize BCT’s Phase 1 development. Phase 2 will follow swiftly, putting BCT and the Port of Gdynia in a strong position to consolidate and expand traffic volume across the board – deep-sea, short-sea and feeder.”

“Working with the Port Authority of Gdynia, ICTSI will soon deliver to the market a fully modernized terminal offering efficiencies that feed along the supply chain and promote a comprehensive, sustainable approach.”

The development program also opens opportunities for deep-sea liner services, with BCT already serving MSC’s Britannia Service, which directly links Asia and Northern Europe. This service was launched on April 9 with the arrival of the MSC Rose. BCT also accommodates MSC’s relaunch of the Ecuador – NWC & Scanbaltic – USA service, which operates vessels with capacities ranging from 4,100 to 8,800 TEUs and a high reefer capacity.

In the short-sea sector, VIA SEA has recently started calling at BCT with its weekly service connecting Poland, Lithuania, Norway, the UK, the Netherlands, and Norway.