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Construction work is under way to build a crude oil terminal at the port of Gdansk. The project is being managed by petroleum logistics firm PERN "Przyjazn" S.A..

A ceremony to mark the occasion was attended by the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk. During the event, the Prime Minister said that the development of an infrastructure in Gdansk promotes the energy security of Poland.

"I am very pleased that we have witnessed a process of diversification of energy supply in Poland. We try to achieve diversity and self-sufficiency of energy sector, adapt it to the needs of the 21st century," said Tusk.

"It is the first investment of this kind in Poland and one of 16 similar ones implemented all over the world. Owing to the terminal, Poland will join a group of countries which deal with international trade in crude oil, fuels and chemical products. It is a chance to improve the competitiveness of the Polish economy and for flexible solutions in case of a shortage of fuels on the market," commented Chancellor of the Exchequer, Włodzimierz Karpiński.

Last month, PERN announced the approval of its plan to construct a crude oil terminal in Gdansk. The building permit was signed by the governor of Pomerania on January 24, allowing PERN to start construction and assembly works.

The project is scheduled to be implemented in two stages. The first stage includes the development of six tanks for crude oil with a capacity of 62,500 cubic metres (cbm) each (375,000 cbm in total) as well as their necessary accompanying infrastructure. Its completion will make it possible to handle, store and provide other services dedicated to crude oil.

The second stage involves the construction of tanks with a capacity of 325,000 cbm for storing petroleum products, chemicals, aviation fuel JET-A as well as bio-components added to fuels. A railway siding and a road tanker station are due to be built at the same time.

"It is a very important decision not only for this undertaking but also for the future of crude oil and petroleum products logistics in our country. It is also a very good signal that the first sea hub in Poland, technologically complex and advanced, will be developed according to the schedule," remarked Marcin Moskalewicz, President of the Board of PERN.

Phase I of the crude terminal project is being developed by an international consortium whose leader is Warszaw-headquartered engineering and construction company IDS-BUD Sp. z o.o.. The cost of the project is estimated at 415 million zlotys (approximately US$ 137 million). It is expected to be operational at the end of 2015.

The terminal's design was prepared by engineering company Gazoprojekt. The entire undertaking is expected to be completed in 2018.