Gdynia Breaks Size Barrier as 16,652 TEU MSC Venice Becomes Largest Container Ship Ever to Call Polish Port

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The Baltic Container Terminal (BCT) at the Port of Gdynia has reached a significant milestone after successfully handling the inaugural call of MSC Venice, the largest and longest container vessel ever to berth at the Polish port.

At 399 meters in length and with a capacity of 16,652 TEUs, MSC Venice represents a new generation of ultra large container vessels operating in the Baltic Sea. Its successful arrival demonstrates that recent infrastructure investments have expanded Gdynia’s ability to accommodate some of the biggest ships serving Northern Europe.

The maiden call is the result of several years of infrastructure improvements designed to increase the port’s operational capabilities.

According to Piotr Gorzeński, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Gdynia Authority, the achievement reflects the completion of major maritime projects that have fundamentally changed the port’s capabilities.

“The maiden call of MSC Venice is a historic moment and a very tangible result of the investments that have transformed the capabilities of our ports in recent years. The deepening of port waters, the reconstruction of the Helskie Quay, and the expansion of Turning Basin No. 2 have created the conditions for the safe handling of the largest container vessels entering the Baltic Sea,” Gorzeński said.

He added that the development represents an important step not only for the Port of Gdynia and BCT but also for the wider Polish port and logistics sector.

The improvements have enabled larger vessels to safely navigate and maneuver within the harbor while increasing operational flexibility for shipping lines serving the Baltic region.

The vessel’s arrival also coincides with the completion of equipment upgrades at BCT itself.

The terminal recently commissioned new quay cranes and additional yard equipment, significantly increasing its operational capacity and enabling more efficient handling of ultra large container ships.

Patrick Chan, Chief Executive Officer of BCT, said the successful operation validates years of coordinated investment across multiple organizations.

“The arrival of MSC Venice is a defining moment for BCT and the Port of Gdynia. It validates the significant investments made by all stakeholders to accommodate the next generation of larger container ships and reinforces our position as a deep water gateway port to support Poland’s economic growth.”

Like widening a highway before opening it to larger freight traffic, the combined infrastructure and equipment upgrades ensure that larger vessels can now be handled safely without compromising operational efficiency.

The successful port call was made possible through collaboration between numerous public and private stakeholders.

BCT credited the Port of Gdynia Authority, the Maritime Office in Gdynia, the Polish Navy and other partners for supporting the long term modernization of the port.

During the vessel’s inaugural visit, officials marked the occasion with a commemorative ceremony. Gorzeński presented a memento to Captain Jurica Separovic, master of MSC Venice, recognizing the ship’s historic first call.

Also attending the ceremony were Arkadiusz Marchewka, State Secretary at Poland’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Andrzej Jarmakowicz of MSC Poland, former BCT Chief Executive Officer Wojciech Szymulewicz, and BCT Chief Executive Officer Patrick Chan.

Baltic Container Terminal is one of Poland’s leading container facilities, with an annual handling capacity exceeding one million TEUs. Located within key European transport corridors, the terminal provides direct truck and on dock rail connections linking Polish imports and exports with inland European markets.

BCT is a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), the Philippines based global port operator that manages maritime gateway terminals across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa.

Handling a vessel the size of MSC Venice positions Gdynia among a select group of Baltic ports capable of accommodating the region’s largest container ships, reinforcing its role as a strategic gateway for international container trade and future cargo growth.