Biznes Fakty
Deputy Minister on the Gdynia terminal: the transaction is being supervised
„We are closely monitoring the circumstances surrounding the potential stake acquisition in the Gdynia container terminal by an American consortium,” stated Arkadiusz Marchewka, the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure. The CK Hutchison conglomerate, which owns the terminal, aims to involve a „strategic” investor from China in the deal.
„The Ministry of Infrastructure continuously observes the terminal’s activities. We are also supervising the transaction between the current owner of the terminal and the American consortium,” remarked Deputy Minister Marchewka, who oversees maritime affairs and inland navigation at the Ministry of Infrastructure.
Sale of shares in the Gdynia terminal
On Monday, CK Hutchison, a conglomerate owned by Chinese interests based in Hong Kong, revealed it was in discussions with a Chinese „strategic investor”—sources indicate this may be the state-controlled shipping company COSCO—about joining a consortium looking to acquire its global port assets, valued at $22.8 billion. These assets comprise 43 ports across 23 nations.
Among these is the Gdynia Container Terminal (GCT), which was founded in 2005 when Hutchison Ports took over the former shipyard area at the Bulgarian Quay in the Port of Gdynia. The lease extends until 2089.
The question of Hong Kong’s ownership of the port gained public attention following an event in 2023 when the American transport vessel MV Cape Ducato, carrying military supplies, was denied permission to dock at the terminal’s quay.
WATCH THE REPORT „CHINESE IN THE PORT OF GDYNIA” ON TVN24 GO
First documentation, then decisions
Although the reason for the incident was not determined, it ignited a discussion regarding the security of port infrastructure, particularly given the GCT’s proximity to significant military assets. The terminal is situated mere hundreds of meters from a dock utilized, among other purposes, for transferring arms shipments to Ukraine.
Consequently, in 2024, the terminal was added to the list of critical infrastructure facilities by the Government Security Centre, which signifies it is under heightened state oversight.
When asked if this also involves reviewing the provisions of the agreement between Hutchison and potential buyers, Marchewka assured that „all legally required decisions from the ministry will be made when there is a basis for it, that is, when the ministry receives the necessary documentation.”
Trump, Hutchison and the Panama Canal
The broader context for the transaction involves ongoing discussions since March regarding the global sale of Hutchison’s ports, prompted by US President Donald Trump’s calls to „regain control” of the Panama Canal, where Hutchison operates two ports. Trump framed the acquisition of ownership of these terminals as part of his efforts to counter China’s presence in strategic trading hubs.
The exclusive negotiations with the American firm BlackRock and the Italian group MSC were expected to conclude by July 27. However, that deadline has passed, and discussions are still ongoing.
Beijing opposes the current iteration of the agreement, labeling it a „betrayal of national interests” and has initiated proceedings to investigate the transaction for potential violations of antitrust laws and threats to national security.
Sources from Reuters suggest that including a Chinese investor in the consortium may convince Beijing’s authorities to approve the deal.
