Economic development of Świnoujście is predetermined by the town's geographic location. Marine economy and tourism combined with the health-resort character as well as trade and commerce, form the basis for the development of Świnoujście. The presence of the Polish Navy should not be overlooked here, either.

There are over 5,500 active businesses in the town.

    * The biggest establishments of marine economy are: 'Morska' Marine Shipyard with two docks of 4,500 and 3,500 tons, specializing in repairs, overhauls and conversions of sea-going vessels of up to 35,000 tons. The shipyard offers its services mainly to German and Scandinavian shipowners.
    * Port Handlowy /Commercial Port/ Świnoujście is, with its favourable geographical position, Poland's busiest terminal handling dry bulk cargo, mainly coal, iron ore and aggregate. The port has five landing-piers and steadily develops the range of general cargo services. Its total annual cargo handling capacity is ca. 12 million tons.

Another major establishment in the town's economy is the modern ferry terminal owned by Polish Shipping Company (PŻM), which provides services to passengers, truck and railway traffic.

 
Apart from the biggest ones, a number of small and medium-sized companies operate within the generally-understood marine economy. However, tourism and the health-resort function are by no means less important for the town's economy. Over 100 establishments providing accommodation services, accompanied by tourism-oriented shopping and catering businesses generate considerable part of the town's revenue and create additional jobs in the summer season.

The biggest employer in this respect is "Uzdrowisko Świnoujście" S.A., providing all-year services to health resort patients from home and abroad.

The balanced development of both the health-resort function and marine economy is crucial for the preservation of precious natural assets of Świnoujście.