Germans look unfavorably on Polish plan for Baltic extraction and a new terminal

Germany looks unfavorably on Poland’s plan to extract oil and gas in the Baltic Sea. It also objects to a project for a new Polish container port near the border between the two countries. Germany argues that the projects would disrupt the local German tourist area and harm the environment. The DPA news agency reports.

"Our future does not lie in oil from the Baltic Sea, but in energy from the sun, wind and biomass," said Till Backhaus, environment minister for the German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

He was responding to a report in Polish media on Monday about the discovery of extensive oil and gas deposits in Polish waters near the German border.

Estimates suggest that five billion cubic metres of gas and 22 million tonnes of oil could be extracted from the deposit. The oilfield is located about six kilometres from Świnoujście, making it visible from the German part of the resort island of Usedom.

If the discovery is confirmed, it could be one of Poland’s largest oil and natural gas deposits. Extraction could begin in three to four years.

"The project reflects a backward-looking industrial climate policy that runs counter to Germany’s environmental and tourism interests," Backhaus criticises.

He adds that the first signs of noise and vibration pollution have already emerged during exploratory drilling. He also says there are concerns about possible impacts on flora and fauna in coastal waters.

The planned large container terminal in Świnoujście is also a controversial issue in the region. It is expected to be completed at the turn of 2028 and 2029. It is intended to be capable of handling very large container ships.