Port of Gdańsk joins the SSTL Project

On 25^thJune 2012 in Brussels the Joint Understanding on Smart and Secure Trade Lanes between European Union, Poland and China was signed. Consequently, Port of Gdańsk became a full member of the SSTL Project.

This annex of Joint Understanding is a legal way and a mile stone step to data exchange between Polish and Chinese customs administrations. From now on, the participating ports will have an access to data which were not possible within usual terms of cooperation. This new way of exchanging infomation concerns mostly risk analysis carried out on jointly agreed rules and methods to avoid double inspections in exporting and importing ports.

Benefits for trade

Reducing lead time of SSTL shipments– smooth cooperation with governmental agencies at the borders will reduce the lead times and this will be a great benefit for SSTL participants;

Increased trade facilitationthrough e.g. quicker release of goods upon arrival, better predictability of delivery times for business partners and reduce control efforts for SSTL consignments;

Development of standardsthat will assist participating ports and other administrations in developing secure supply chains;

More secure containersby use of latest technology to secure supply chains (use Container Seecurity Devices and new IT technology).

The main reasons why Gdańsk was chosen by customs service into the SSTL pilot:

– regular shipping service between Asian and European ports;

– direct connection from key Chinese ports (direct line Shanghai-Gdansk);

– fastest transit time ex Far East to the Baltic Region (only 32 days shipping time);

– served by worlds largest container vessels able to utilize 15 500 TEU;

– worlds largest average service capacity – 14 800 TEU;

– good connection with port, rail and road Infrastructure;

– container throughput (last year over then 677 000 TEU) with over 1 million perspective in 2012.