VEEC - signing the Letter of Intent

The cooperation will mainly focus on activities related to the seaports of Vordingborg and Elblag. It will contribute to the development of the ports and above all to the development of the local and regional economy. We aim to achieve regional benefits that will directly translate into the development of port structures.

This cooperation is in line with the Tri-Maritime Initiative (https://3seas.eu/). The main objective of the entire initiative is to stimulate economic growth and prosperity in the region. Increased activity in trade and service provision within and with neighbouring countries creates such opportunities. Moreover, it makes Europe as a whole more competitive in global terms. Besides, this initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions. The establishment of a strict VEEC will have a positive impact on shifting cargo from land to sea. Thus, it will reduce the negative impact of transportation on the environment.

The VEEC is intended to strengthen economic relations between Denmark and Poland, increase the amount of cargo carried by sea between the small ports, support the development of companies located around these ports, increase the competitiveness and attractiveness of the regions of Vordingborg and Elblag, have a positive impact on the local and regional market, increase the number of jobs and have a positive impact on the labour market.

Cooperation between Vordingborg and Elbląg will be established by signing a Letter of Intent by the Mayor of Elbląg - Witold Wróblewski, Elbląg Seaport Director - Arkadiusz Zgliński, the Head of Vordingborg Municipality - Mikael Smed and the President of the Seaport Authority - Daniel Irvold. The letter of intent will be signed at the Polish Embassy in Copenhagen on May 9, 2022, a day before the start of the pilot cruise.

The Polish Embassy in Copenhagen plays an important role in this endeavor. For two years representatives of this institution have shown interest in the activities of the project and actively support its development. Moreover, the knowledge of short sea shipping and seaport related topics is an added value for the Embassy.

After the signing of the Letter of Intent, the content of the business agreement will be drafted. This document will contain precise information about the assumptions of cooperation and expected results. The signing of the economic agreement is planned for September 2022, within the SmartNet project.