Kamil Jedynak, president of OT Logistics, in a conversation with the editorial office, returns to the agricultural protests on the Polish-Ukrainian border and the consequences they brought for the Polish logistics of the agro industry.
– First of all, when referring to the protests and events at the border, I wanted to be very careful, because it is difficult for me to say to what extent, especially the rather aggressive forms of protest that we observed in the media, were supported by the majority of farmers. I completely understand the need to protect the national agricultural market, or the EU market. However, I would like this to be done with respect for other entities on the logistics market, other entities that have suffered from the border closure, as well as with respect for other citizens, and with understanding of the situation of Ukrainians. I believe that it is possible to develop transit solutions for Ukrainian grain that would protect our domestic market – explains President Jedynak.
He also notes that Ukrainians began to look for alternative logistics routes, mainly through Romania, which resulted in investments, the construction of highways, the construction of connections with Romania and the development of the local port.
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Błażejewski about the wasted two years and the cancellation of tenders in ports
– Today, the Black Sea ports are working at full capacity, so there is no need for Poland to use logistics. However, the situation is very dynamic and may change. I think that despite the fact that Ukrainian ports returned to full functionality, there was a chance for some of the Ukrainian grain to transit to countries, for example Western Europe, but due to the fact that in a situation when Ukrainians needed us very much, we we closed this door on them. This had a significant impact on the deterioration of our relationship. Today, as I say, there is no need to transit these grains, because they are served by Black Sea ports.
A large investment by OT Logistics in Świnoujście
The infrastructure is outdated, but investments are being made, this is how Kamil Jedynak, president of OT Logistics, summed up the situation at the Polish port quay during the debate at the 3rd Polish Grain Day. At the same time, we inform that the company is in the process of implementing the second stage of the investment, which, when completed in June next year, will make OT Logistics have the most modern grain terminal in Poland.
He also referred to numerous press releases regarding the situation in Polish ports, warning to be cautious in the overall assessment of the situation.
– We have been observing with great concern various information regarding the port industry for several weeks, especially in the field of grain logistics. Most of this information is false or incomplete. We are frightened by the fact that the port logistics of agro products is facing us, that nothing is happening in this area, that the terminals are being sold. We are afraid that the entire agro business will go to German ports. Ladies and gentlemen, first of all, the terminal mentioned in the media in Szczecin is not a large terminal. It is not an important terminal for the agro logistics market. At the same time, no one mentioned that at the same time we are in the process of implementing a very large investment in our port, which will launch the most modern terminal in Poland in terms of the transshipment installment. The terminal will be able to load over 20,000. tons of grain per day and the total capacity of this terminal is almost 2 million tons of grain. We observe what is happening with great concern and surprise. I don't know who is behind this, who has an interest in promoting such information.
At the same time, he adds that Polish-Ukrainian relations look very bad. – I don't know what happened, where it all went, but I think it still needs to be rebuilt. Let's also think long-term, prospectively. Without putting short-sighted interests ahead of the good and our strategic interests, as Europe and Poland, the president emphasized.
A long-term and strategic approach to relations and cooperation with Ukraine is needed
The president of OT Logistics also noted that the logistics industry today needs reliable information on grain stocks in Poland. All investments involve high risk and capital, which is why precise data is essential today.
– In terms of cooperation between agricultural market entities and the logistics industry, there is a need for a more partnership approach and understanding of how this business functions. Investments in port logistics, especially when it comes to agro products, require tens of millions of zlotys and these investments take several years. It is impossible to change port capacity or change logistics routes in a few months, so we take this risk, but based on the signals we receive from the market. If these signals are false, and unfortunately we have had to deal with such a situation again recently. It was reported that almost 8 million tons of grain are stored in farmers' warehouses and that ports and the logistics industry should prepare for a big peak. It turns out that there is no such grain. Once again, I appeal to the participants of this market for a more strategic, long-term approach, because such a short-sighted view of these relationships can really lead to a disaster and loss for any entity in the long run.
