A Canadian company, CEP, claims to have discovered significant oil and gas reserves off the Polish Baltic coast, specifically near the Wolin East oil field, which is about six kilometers from Swinoujscie and visible from the German island of Usedom.

The discovery could potentially supply 4 to 5 percent of Poland's annual oil demand, with production expected to start in three to four years if all permits and environmental regulations are met.

CEP has held exploration rights for this area since 2017, with estimates suggesting over 400 million barrels of oil equivalent, and the current market value of the reserves is around 28 billion euros at current oil prices.

The drilling reached a depth of 2,715 meters, and the resource estimates suggest the reserves might only last a few months to two years, depending on extraction rates.

Polish authorities are optimistic about the economic benefits, with current oil prices around 70 euros per barrel, but the project faces significant environmental and political challenges.

In addition to the oil exploration, a new container port is planned for Swinoujscie by 2030, which has also raised environmental concerns among local residents and officials.

Part of the oil field extends into German territorial waters, raising potential legal issues and claims, especially since the German government was not initially informed about the drilling activities.

Germany's Schwerin state government is outraged over the lack of communication and believes the project contradicts cross-border environmental agreements, with environmental concerns heightened by the proximity to protected natural areas.

German officials, including the state environment minister, criticize the project as a step backward for climate policy, emphasizing its potential harm to tourism, nature conservation, and the Baltic Sea ecosystem.

Environmental groups warn that drilling could cause noise, vibrations, and damage to local flora and fauna, posing irreversible risks to the region's water and climate.

Polish Deputy Environment Minister Krzysztof Galos stated that the geological estimates need validation before any official confirmation, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty.

Energy experts suggest that even if extraction begins immediately, the reserves might only last a year or two, raising questions about the long-term economic viability.

Local German officials, including the mayor of Heringsdorf, have called for clarity and protective measures, expressing concerns about the environmental impact and the industrialization of the Baltic Sea region.