22:34 15 July 2026
Few Polish ships fly red and white flags
Poland is investing heavily in ports and terminals, but almost none of the ships operated by Polish companies sail under the national flag. Of 83 vessels in the Polish-controlled fleet, only 13 are Polish-registered, accounting for just 0.7% of total carrying capacity. Owners favor foreign registries because of lower employment costs, efficient administration, favorable taxes, and reliable maritime mortgage rules. Poland is preparing legislation to restore tonnage-tax benefits, expand eligible activities, and exempt seafarers’ income from personal income tax without requiring 183 days at sea. However, tax incentives alone may not be enough. The reform’s real success will depend on whether large, modern commercial vessels return to the Polish register.
(pb.pl)
