The development of the Port of Szczecin in the years 1945–1960

Abstract

After World War II, the Port of Szczecin faced a completely new economic and political situation. The transition to Polish administration and its integration into the socialist economic system led to profound changes in its function and significance. This study examines the economic, infrastructural, and organizational processes that contributed to the reconstruction and development of the port between 1945 and 1960.
The research is based on archival documents, government reports, economic statistics, and contemporary press sources. Special attention is given to measures taken to restore port facilities, eliminate war damage, and integrate the port into Poland’s economic hinterland.
The findings show that after 1945, the port was in a state of devastation—destroyed quays, sunken wrecks, and a lack of infrastructure prevented its immediate use. In the first years after the war, efforts focused on clearing war damage and resuming basic port operations. From 1947 onward, investments in loading equipment, warehouses, and transport connections modernized the port. During the Six-Year Plan (1950–1955), extensive infrastructure projects were carried out, including the expansion of coal loading facilities and the deepening of the shipping channel to Świnoujście.
The study concludes that despite numerous economic and political challenges, the reconstruction of the Port of Szczecin was successful. By 1960, the port had become a key hub for Polish foreign trade, with a cargo-handling capacity surpassing pre-war levels. This development symbolized Szczecin’s economic integration into Poland and its growing importance as a maritime center in the Baltic Sea region.