As offshore wind, LNG infrastructure and Polish ports continue to expand, so too do the risks facing them. Cyberattacks, drones, sabotage and the Russian shadow fleet are becoming defining security challenges. These issues took centre stage during the panel "Security 2030+: Ports Under Pressure – Critical Infrastructure and National Resilience" at the Polish Ports 2030+ Congress in Sopot.

The discussion brought together Daniel Betke, President of Naftoport (PERN Group), Olgierd Hurka of GAZ-SYSTEM, Marcin Ryngwelski, President of PGZ Naval Shipyard, and Janusz Czajkowski, President of SEA Global. Moderated by Michał Niewiadomski, President of the Energy Club, the debate focused on how Poland should strengthen the resilience of its maritime infrastructure against increasingly sophisticated threats.

Opening the session, Niewiadomski pointed to recent acts of sabotage against critical infrastructure, disruptions to global shipping routes and the detention of vessels suspected of violating sanctions on Russian oil. He stressed that operators of maritime energy infrastructure must prepare for asymmetric threats and asked the panellists how their organisations are adapting.

Daniel Betke outlined Naftoport's three-tier security strategy. The first pillar focuses on educating employees and contractors, ensuring they understand emerging threats and know how to respond. The second concerns operational security, including the development of internal procedures, compliance with regulations and continuous monitoring of technological developments and incidents affecting energy infrastructure worldwide. The third pillar involves strategic cooperation with state authorities responsible for protecting critical infrastructure. Although external security falls beyond Naftoport's direct remit, close cooperation with institutions such as the Ministry of the Interior and Administration enables the company to prepare for a wide range of potential scenarios.

Representing GAZ-SYSTEM, Olgierd Hurka highlighted the decade of operational experience gained at the LNG terminal in Świnoujście. That expertise has become increasingly valuable since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, when maritime LNG imports became a cornerstone of Poland's gas supply.

– It is encouraging that Poland has responded to new challenges by introducing legislation such as the Safe Baltic Act. The establishment of institutions like the Maritime Security Centre significantly improves our preparedness. We view security not as the protection of a single facility, but as safeguarding the country's entire energy system. We also continue to learn from international experience, including that of neighbouring Lithuania – said Hurka.

Hurka noted that the planned FSRU terminal in the Gulf of Gdańsk presents an entirely new set of offshore security challenges. As construction progresses, GAZ-SYSTEM is simultaneously expanding its expertise by studying how similar facilities are protected abroad.

Turning to naval capabilities, moderator Michał Niewiadomski argued that effective protection of critical infrastructure ultimately depends on strong maritime forces. Marcin Ryngwelski provided an update on Poland's naval modernisation programme, confirming that the first frigate under the Miecznik programme is scheduled to be launched in August, while the Ratownik rescue vessel will follow next year. He also pointed to the continued production of Kormoran II mine countermeasure vessels, in which PGZ Naval Shipyard plays a key role.

Ryngwelski explained that the shipyard works closely with the Polish Armed Forces and security services, while also cooperating with other Gdynia-based shipyards, including Nauta and Crist, to overcome space limitations and accelerate production.

– The results of our work will soon become visible. Polish shipyards are building warships at a time when a real war is taking place in Europe, which creates unique challenges. We are also working with industry partners on anti-drone technologies. A decade ago, few imagined Polish shipyards would be delivering projects of this scale. It is both a tremendous opportunity and a major responsibility – Rynglewski highlighted.

He also pointed to Sweden as an example of a country that has rapidly strengthened its defence posture following its accession to NATO. Ryngwelski recalled that Poland was due to sign the long-awaited submarine contract with Saab Kockums on 29 June under the Orka programme. He expressed hope that defence cooperation would become reciprocal, with Sweden eventually purchasing Polish-built naval vessels, including a rescue ship based on the Ratownik design and potentially Kormoran II minehunters.

Janusz Czajkowski of SEA Global argued that legal and regulatory frameworks remain one of the sector's greatest challenges. In his view, the definition of critical infrastructure still lacks sufficient clarity and requires dedicated legislation establishing a comprehensive legal framework.

Drawing on the company's international experience, he noted that supply chains have become increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats and sabotage. He also stressed that security planning must extend beyond technology to include long-term economic and demographic considerations.

– Last year, Poland recorded 400,000 deaths but only 230,000 births. We must think about future generations of specialists and invest in their education. This requires long-term planning involving both public institutions and private companies. We need a clear strategy and we continue to draw on international best practice – Czajkowski said.

Concluding the discussion, the panellists agreed that their greatest challenge is coping with an increasingly unpredictable geopolitical environment. In a rapidly changing security landscape, maintaining constant vigilance and adapting to both new threats and emerging opportunities has become a daily necessity.

Photo taken during the Congress by GospodarkaMorska.pl