The National Appeals Chamber (Krajowa Izba Odwoławcza, KIO) has rejected a complaint concerning the outcome of the competition for the design of the Port of Elbląg, Elbląska Gazeta Internetowa reported. The ruling means the winning concept can now proceed without further administrative obstacles.

The competition, organised by the Elbląg municipal authorities, was won by a consortium of Warsaw-based design firms, WSP Polska Sp. z o.o. and WXCA GROUP Sp. z o.o., with their project titled “Brama na Bałtyk” (“Gateway to the Baltic”).

The result was challenged before the KIO by YLE Inżynierowie, the company that placed third in the competition. The appellant argued that the winning submission was filed after the deadline (12 January at 13:00), did not meet the requirements of the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Economy regulation, and failed to comply with the competition rules requiring “the ability to berth and unload at least four vessels of 100 metres in length and 20 metres in width”.

YLE Inżynierowie also questioned whether the project could realistically be delivered within the proposed budget. Further objections concerned alleged inconsistencies between the design assumptions and the competition requirements. According to the appellant, the winning entry amounted to a “conceptual vision” rather than a fully developed technical and legal design solution. It was also argued that the winners themselves acknowledged parameters that would prevent vessels 20 metres wide from entering the port, which in their view should have disqualified the proposal.

The National Appeals Chamber did not uphold the arguments submitted by YLE Inżynierowie. The company told Elbląska Gazeta Internetowa that it would not appeal to the Regional Court in Warsaw, effectively bringing the proceedings to a close and clearing the way for implementation of the winning design.

City authorities also supported dismissal of the complaint, arguing that further delays in the procurement process and the investment itself were undesirable. The port expansion is expected to cost around PLN 100 million and will include modernisation of the terminal at Radomska Street and redevelopment of the Żytnia Street terminal, including access to a rail siding. Completion is scheduled for 2029.

Vision for the Port of Elbląg

On 11 February, Elbląg Mayor Michał Missan presented a comprehensive development concept for the city’s seaport, aiming to transform it into a modern, multimodal transshipment hub. It is intended to serve industries including metals, energy, offshore, infrastructure, machinery, and dual-use sectors. The new terminal is expected to optimise supply chains, reduce transport costs, and increase the global competitiveness of local industries.

The project covers the development of approximately 30 hectares of new port space at Żytnia Street. According to the competition jury, the selected concept offers the most functional solution in terms of handling cargo by sea, rail, and road. It is designed to make optimal use of available space, modern technologies, and transport links, while remaining within realistic financial constraints.

The plan also includes upgrades to road infrastructure, including reconstruction of Mazurska Street and construction of two roundabouts connecting the Union of Europe Route with Radomska Street, significantly improving access and transport efficiency in the area.

Funding will come from the European Union’s regional programme “European Funds for Warmia and Mazury 2021–2027”. In November last year, the European Commission approved support for port and port-adjacent investments in Elbląg, providing €40 million in co-financing.

The winning consortium will receive a prize of PLN 150,000 gross and an invitation to prepare full design and cost documentation on the basis of which the investment will be implemented.