History:.

Later on, between XIX and XX centuries, the insufficiency of handling facilities provoked construction of wharfves along the west Odra bank (Chrobry Walls) and on Lasztownia Island two new port basins were built (East Basin and West Basin) equipped with handling facilities and suitable storage areas. The above basin were incoprorated into duty free zone established and were mainly used for general cargo handling. To improve the bulk cargo handling the special channels and basins construction started close to Odra outlet - Regalica. They got equipped with rail side-track, handling facilities and equipment and warehouses and store yards - the constuction was completed in 1919 (Górniczy Basin). Such a remarkable expansion of the port that time was strictly connected with policy of Prussian government. Szczecin was considered the port capable to resist the attacks of the allies in case of war. Within twenty year period between the wars, on having established good relationship with England and France, further expansion was suspended and government financial support for investments got terminated. The port development was stimulated mainly with market rights and conditions; that time an emphasis was put on expansion of technical hinterland: grain elevators, cooling storage, specialised warehouses, modernisation of rail side-tracks and handling facilities.

During World War II the [port and Szczecin economics were incorporated into totalitarian war machine of Hitler. There were big investments planned aiming at adapting Szczecin port for handling goods transferred by Germans from conquered territories in Eastern Europe. However, at the end of the war - because of military industry located there - Szczecin became the target of allies "carpet" air raids. The attacks caused significant damages, particularly to port facilitiues. Further devastation was made by the German army coming out back from Poland. In the port there were e.g. all cranes demolished, any warehouses ruined; the quays suffered relatively the least damage.