The Polish Senate modifies the updated law regarding offshore research.

The upper chamber of Poland's parliament, the Senat, has approved the amended legislation concerning maritime areas, while also introducing additional amendments, two of which relate to the development of offshore wind farms.

This legislation outlines the guidelines for conducting research, managing sunken hazardous materials, and diving on shipwrecks. The amendment seeks to enhance the operations of the maritime administration and other organizations involved in these services. It represents a significant step in Poland's Recovery and Resilience Plan (KPO), which allocates EUR 28 million for research in critical sectors within the Polish zone of the Baltic Sea.

The senators proposed six amendments to the updated legislation, two of which are intended to ensure the new research guidelines in Polish maritime areas will be applicable to the construction of an offshore wind farm or related equipment utilized for energy generation starting January 1, 2026.

The primary solutions focus on coordinating efforts among ministries, scientific institutions, and private organizations that are engaged in identifying, researching, monitoring, and neutralizing dumped hazardous materials on the ocean floor.

For instance, any sunken munitions, weapons, or explosives in proximity to petroleum products must be reported to the Hydrographic Office of the Navy, which will keep an electronic record of such hazardous materials. A permit is required for diving on a wreck, which is restricted to a duration of 30 days.

The Act has been sent back to the Sejm and referred to the Maritime Economy and Inland Navigation Committee.