In early October 2025, I had the opportunity to attend BALTEXPO 2025 — the 23rd edition of the International Maritime and Military Fair held at the AMBEREXPO Exhibition and Congress Centre in Gdańsk, Poland. BALTEXPO is one of the leading industry events in Central and Eastern Europe, bringing together key stakeholders from the maritime economy and defence sectors, including shipping, ports, shipbuilding, logistics, technology, and related services.
Over the three days of the fair (7–9 October), nearly 300 exhibitors from more than 20 countries showcased innovations spanning maritime infrastructure, naval technologies, defense systems, and offshore industries. This year’s edition also included a rich programme of discussions, panels, and networking opportunities addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the maritime world.
Strategic insights and broad perspectives
What sets BALTEXPO apart is its multi-dimensional approach: it is not just an exhibition, but a platform for dialogue between public institutions, industry leaders, and innovators. Parallel events such as the Baltic Ports Conference facilitated deep engagement on future port investments and international maritime cooperation, while conference panels addressed topics ranging from infrastructure development to cybersecurity and ESG challenges in the maritime domain.
As someone focused on the intersection of global politics, economic trends and security landscapes, attending BALTEXPO offered invaluable insights into how maritime themes are increasingly linked with broader geopolitical and strategic considerations. In particular, discussions around supply chain resilience, sustainable development, and the evolving role of defense in securing maritime domains underscored how dynamic and interconnected this space has become.
Networking and knowledge exchange
Beyond the official programme, BALTEXPO provided a rich environment for networking with industry professionals, researchers, and decision-makers from across Europe and beyond. Conversations ranged from technological innovation to regulatory frameworks affecting maritime and defense industries, offering perspectives that will directly inform future analyses and advisory work at Stratos Consulting.
Attending this event reinforced the importance of blending on-the-ground observation with data and strategic foresight — a core principle of our work at Stratos. Integrating insights drawn from events such as BALTEXPO enables us to better anticipate shifts in economic and political landscapes and to support our clients with knowledge that goes beyond conventional sources.
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