BCT thinks big

The Baltic Container Terminal (BCT), Gdynia acting in combination with the Port of Gdynia Authority has completed Phase 1 of a Two-Phase major upgrade of its Helskie Quay.

The upgrade works, implemented over 400m of quay line, represent an important step on the port of Gdynia’s journey to accommodate larger vessel sizes. This objective will become a reality in September this year with the commissioning of 100m of the additional 400m to be upgraded under the Phase 2 works as well as the entry into service of a newly expanded turning basin. At this stage, vessels with a draught of 14.7m and LOA of up to 400m will be able to be call at BCT.

Overall, the Phase 1 works saw the construction of 400m of quay with a depth alongside of 15.5m and complementary works entailing the installation of 1,171m of crane track, new hydrotechnical structures, roads and utility networks.

The total investment under Phase 1 is USD42 million with the development programme completed on schedule under complex operational and environmental conditions.

“The completion of Phase 1 of our development programme essentially puts in place the foundation stones via which major benefits will be made available to clients,” explains Wojciech Szymulewicz, CEO, BCT. “With the realisation of Phase 2 there will be a comprehensive upgrade of BCT’s operational capabilities, particularly in terms of vessel accommodation and overall throughput potential. The completion of Phase 2,” he elaborates, “will be accompanied by the delivery of either two or four new Super Post Panamax quay cranes, the number to be determined shortly. The introduction of these new cranes will significantly increase the berthing and operational capabilities of the quay and is expected to raise BCT’s annual berth handling capacity to between 1.2m TEU and 1.6m TEU, depending on the final configuration.”

COMPLEMENTARY INVESTMENTS

The total investment under Phases 1 and 2 is expected to exceed US84 million with Phase 2 scheduled for completion in Q3 2026.

Similar to Phase 1, the second phase works will include the demolition and reconstruction of additional quay sections, new crane tracks, the installation of heavy duty surfaces and modern utility and hydrotechnical infrastructure.

There are also complementary investments in the pipeline. BCT will implement the Navis N4 4 Terminal Operating System in October this year which will, in turn, facilitate the introduction of an appointment system for truck drivers, effectively a booking-based operational logic, enhancing planning accuracy and process efficiency. The terminal’s automated gate system will be reconfigured as part of this initiative.

Looking further ahead, the introduction of N4 4 also provides the opportunity to introduce advanced optimisation tools such as Prime Route (for optimised internal container transport) and Expert Decking (for intelligent container stacking and retrieval actions).

The Port Authority of Gdynia is also in the process of formulating a tender, to be launched in Q3 2025, to implement a new internal road to connect a new nine-hectare storage yard with Helskie Quay. Connection to this facility will boost container storage capacity with all construction works expected to be completed in 2026.

BCT is already benefitting from the recent reconstruction of the Gdynia Port Rail Station which has raised capacity and overall efficiency. Congestion-related train stoppages have been practically eliminated and measurable improvements in transit times and punctuality are a daily reality.

In 2024 17% of BCT’s annual container volume was moved by rail comprising nearly 100,000TEU, a figure that is expected to climb facilitated by the development programme as is overall annual throughput which in 2024 amounted to 560,000TEU.

Hans Ole-Madsen, Senior Vice President, EMEA, ICTSI, commenting on the overall development programme noted: “We are pleased to have successfully worked with the Port Authority of Gdynia to realise BCT’s Phase 1 development. Phase 2 will follow swiftly on, 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 imminently deliver to the market a fully modernised terminal offering efficiencies that feed along the supply chain and promote a comprehensive sustainable approach.”

BCT is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manila-based International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI).

LINER OPPORTUNITIES

BCT’s development programme will particularly open-up opportunities in conjunction with deep-sea liner services, although it should be noted that it is already active in this sector with MSC’s Britannia Service, operating direct between Asia and Northern Europe. This service was officially launched on April 9^th with the arrival of MSC Rose.

Also calling BCT is MSC’s relaunched weekly Ecuador – NWC & Scanbaltic – USA service. The service operates with vessels offering capacities ranging from 4,100 to 8,800TEU and offering a high reefer capacity of 1,150 to 1,300 plugs.