"Poland and Germany Both Compete and Cooperate": TIRSPED CEO Mirka Kędra on Ports, Rail and Logistics Challenges

Taxes, limited capacity, and operational challenges continue to slow down the efficiency of the maritime and railway sectors. CEO of the Polish logistics company TIRSPED explains the difficulties affecting the industry and the steps necessary for change.

Despite ongoing competition between Poland and Germany in port service, customs clearance, and intermodal transport sectors, both countries are simultaneously preparing for a joint maritime development project in the upcoming years. The initiative is expected not only to strengthen port infrastructure on both sides but also to support the long-term development of rail transport as a key component of the logistics chain.

In an interview with RAILTARGET, TIRSPED CEO Mirka Kędra shared her perspective on the future of the industry, the importance of cross-border cooperation between maritime and rail transport, and the key challenges currently limiting efficiency. The discussion took place following the Intermodal Poland 2026 Congress in Janów Podlaski, where she also addressed ongoing structural issues and operational crises in the sector.

Your colleague Rafal Zahorski presented the development of the Szczecin and Świnoujście ports, highlighting the "West Pomeranian Butterfly" project. You have previously expressed support for it. What makes this project particularly significant in your view?

The key advantage is that Świnoujście has the opportunity to expand its infrastructure almost from the ground up, without being constrained by outdated or inefficient legacy systems. This enables more modern and flexible planning. Additionally, the planned transport corridors are designed to extend toward the Czech Republic and other Central and Eastern European countries, which significantly enhances their long-term strategic importance.

Do you believe this project could improve rail transport cooperation between Poland and Germany?

Although Poland and Germany currently compete in the intermodal transport market, this initiative has the potential to strengthen cooperation and deepen the partnership between the two sides in a way that would benefit both. Improved coordination between maritime, inland navigation, and rail transport could significantly increase efficiency across the entire logistics chain.

Why do companies still often choose Hamburg or Rotterdam instead of Polish ports?

The main reason lies in administrative barriers. Current regulations in Poland involve a high level of bureaucracy, extensive controls, and taxation, all of which significantly complicate transport and logistics operations. As a result, many companies perceive Western European ports as more predictable and operationally efficient alternatives.

What changes would need to be implemented in Poland to improve this situation?

From the perspective of companies such as TIRSPED, it is clear that certain regulatory policies create unnecessary obstacles and reduce overall transport efficiency. However, this is ultimately a matter for public authorities. As a private company, we do not have the mandate to influence these decisions directly, although our position on the issue is well defined.

Does your company still rely on rail transport?

Yes, we do use rail transport, but unfortunately not to the extent that would be optimal. In practice, road transport is often cheaper, faster, and more reliable, especially when considering the frequency of operational disruptions. As a result, rail currently plays a smaller role in our logistics chain than it ideally should.

How would you assess the current railway situation in Germany, particularly given your reliance on Hamburg?

The railway system in Germany is currently facing significant challenges in both freight and passenger transport. Frequent delays and operational inefficiencies are common, and in some cases, the system struggles to maintain reliability despite the high volume of traffic it handles.

Germany has invested heavily in infrastructure over the past decades. Why do you think rail performance is still under pressure?

Germany may not have been fully prepared for the scale of current transport demand. While ports operate efficiently and investment levels remain high, the intermodal system—particularly the connection between maritime transport and rail—appears to be the weakest link. Maritime and rail transport must develop in close coordination, as they are highly interdependent, and this balance has not yet been fully achieved.