The Rector of the Maritime University of Szczecin, Prof. Stanisław Gucma, read the letter of the President of the Republic of Poland, Bronisław Komorowski, in which the President stated that it is the 3rd training center of that type in Europe and one of the most up-to-date in the world, which gives the reason for pride and satisfaction since it will enhance the further process of modernization of Poland. The ceremony was honored by the presence of :

• Mikołaj Budzanowski – Undersecretary of the Ministry of State Treasury,
• Anna Wypych Namiotko - Undersecretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure,
• Stanisław Gawłowski – Secretary of State of the Ministry of Natural Environment, Arkadiusz Litwiński and Renata Zaremba, members of Parliament ,
• Marcin Zydorowicz – the Voivode of West Pomerania,
• Olgierd Geblewicz – the Marshall of the West Pomeranian Province,
• Marek Tałasiewicz the Chairman of the Regional Council of the West Pomeranian Province,
• Aleksander Buwelski – the Vice President of the City of Szczecin and representatives of diplomatic posts of Cathar, Republic of Latvia and Italy.

Currently there operate approximately 70 objects for LNG handling, 20 under construction and new investments to be projected worldwide. For 19 LNG terminals operating in Europe only few training centers (e.g. in Great Britain) prepare specialists, who are instructed mainly in US and Asia. Thus, the LNG European Training Center appears a model example of joined science, experience and business.

The heart of the Training Center, as the first one in this part of the continent and one of the most modern in the world, is a unique connection of four up-to-date simulators accurately reproducing the terminal working conditions.

They are:

• Integrated bridges simulator of Q-Flex vessels (LNG tankers);
• Dynamic positioning system simulator, for training commanders and tug vessel crews operating LNG terminal;
• Ship loading simulator for transporting liquid cargo for training future officers, LNG tanker crew members and managerial staff of all gas transport operations, both loading and unloading.

In February 2011 at the Maritime University of Szczecin post graduate studies instructing in LNG Transport and Terminal Operation, the only one of that type in Poland, were launched. Due to wide interest in the study field, more than originally planned students have been enrolled for the 1st semester of the study run by scientific research staff of the Maritime University of Szczecin and AGH of Cracow. In the future not only students but also various economy sector workers shall have a chance to go through LNG ETC trainings to raise their qualifications. For ensuring the highest safety standards, staff operating LNG terminals will be required to hold international certificates, periodically renewed, whereas the acquired skills shall enter the international career doors in that branch of industry worldwide. Moreover, foreign trainees as well as their employers are expected to get interested in LNG ETC trainings. While its promotion at international conferences, LNG ETC, enjoyed wide interest, mainly due to high standard and low price of training and it is due to LNG ETC that Poland may become a breeding ground for specialists with world standard qualifications. Irrespectively of preparing highly qualified specialists in LNG transport and terminal operation, the Maritime University of Szczecin intends to run 15 types of specialist courses both for whole LNG terminal crews and supporting company workers (port, tugs, mooring crews, Maritime Office) according to the specified Polish and international regulations covering lifesaving, fire protection, occupational safety, fighting oil spillage, gas vessel operation at basic and more advanced level etc., which shall give rise to the Polish Maritime Rescue Training Center of the Maritime University of Szczecin.