“I am very happy that Gdansk can now really become hub port for all our neighbors that do not have access to the sea”, says Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland. “I have been talking to those who are engaged in DCT Gdansk’s development and I have been convinced of the need of maximum coordination and concentration of efforts, also Government’s and Parliament’s efforts, to remove barriers that hinder many business ventures. Here, as through a lens, we can see what changes are required to compete with such giants as Hamburg, Rotterdam or St. Petersburg” adds Donald Tusk.  DCT Gdansk and Maersk Line introduced the first E class vessel mv Maersk Elba on 11th May, 2011 

“This truly is a very important day for Poland. Gdansk is a hub for Central and Eastern Europe and for Russia. We want to develop our business with our partners from DCT, because we understand that this region has a huge potential” says Eivind Kolding, Maersk Line CEO.

The Promar yard’s decision to invest in the panel line will improve its efficiency in steel handling, enabling it to manage around 15,000 tons of steel throughput annually. The 320-ton capacity multiwheeler will give the shipyard high flexibility in handling a wide range of steel blocks. In general, the TTS equipment is expected to enable the STX shipyard to become more effective, profitable and competitive as it enters a period of intensive shipbuilding, with several vessels already on its order book. All TTS equipment and services will be delivered by the end of 2012.

“This loan will allow us to make necessary building improvements to attract a major employer to the region, and help bring nearly 100 family-wage jobs to Clark County where unemployment is still hovering near 13 percent,” said Port of Vancouver Executive Director Larry Paulson. “Our private sector partner Sapa Profiles, Inc. has a proven track record of success with tremendous potential for growth and will be a valuable new business in Clark County and Washington State.” The port and Sapa Profiles, Inc. are currently working toward a final lease agreement for the former Panasonic building, located at 2001 Kotobuki Way. The building has been vacant since the electronics manufacturing company closed its doors in 2008, laying off more than 200 fulltime and temporary employees. Total cost of the necessary renovations is $1.3 million and includes replacement of the building’s current asphalt floor with a reinforced concrete floor, as well as electrical and HVAC upgrades. In addition to the $800,000 CERB loan, the port will provide $500,000 in matching funds to complete the improvements. The private-sector investment by Sapa Profiles, Inc. in manufacturing equipment and additional facility upgrades is anticipated to be more than $8 million in the first 12 months of occupancy.  Sapa Profiles, Inc. has 15 plants located in North America.  The Port of Vancouver location will be the company’s first facility in the state of Washington.