The construction of the canal connecting the Vistula Lagoon to the Gulf of Gdańsk was completed in less than three years, with preparations dating back to the reign of King Stephen Bathory. Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski revisited the project after World War II. Initial design work began in 2007, considering multiple locations, ultimately choosing one based on topography and canal length, while excluding areas with nature reserves or developed zones.
The Vistula Spit Canal project, the most complex hydrotechnical engineering endeavor in Poland, employed unique solutions, such as innovative concrete blocks for breakwaters, a method previously used only in the Netherlands. The construction involved an interdisciplinary approach, combining hydrotechnical, highway, bridge engineering, architecture, and installations.
The canal, officially opened on September 17, 2022, spans nearly 23 km and is part of a larger project including the rebuilding of the Elbląg River fairway, a new swing bridge, and deepening of waterways. The Maritime Office in Gdynia is the project's investor. A 5 złoty coin in the "Discover Poland" series features the Nowy Świat Harbour Master’s Office and an entry to the canal from the Vistula Lagoon.
