Millions of Euros are set to transform Klaipeda Port infrastructure in 4 year
Klaipėda Port’s investments are focused on the port infrastructure which is important for competitiveness, building new capacities, and implementing green projects. This is foreseen in the Klaipėda Port Authority’s Strategic Plan for the next four years.
During 2024 and 2027, investments of EUR 234 million are planned for the development of the infrastructure of the Klaipėda Port.
“The year 2023 was positive in terms of investments – the investments we made were twice as high as planned. Last year we invested about 98 million euros, which was used to achieve a lot: the port channel was deepened to 15.5 meters, more than a kilometer of quays was reconstructed and other works were carried out. But this is not enough. Planning for the future of the port involves continuing existing projects and starting new ones. Two-thirds of the planned investments are in new activities and new capacity, and about one-third are in maintaining the existing infrastructure. In this way, we are ready to maintain the position of Klaipėda Port in the Baltic Sea region,” says Algis Latakas, Director General of Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.
One of the most important factors determining the competitive advantage of ports is the port infrastructure and its adaptation to changing market trends. The Port Authority’s investments are aimed at improving the existing port infrastructure and developing new infrastructure, taking into account market changes and needs, in order to ensure the port’s competitiveness.
Two-thirds of the planned investments are earmarked for developing new activities in the port, creating new capacities, and adjusting to customers. One of the major projects for the next four years is the infrastructure for an offshore wind energy terminal. Such port infrastructure is particularly important for Lithuania’s plans to build wind farms in the Baltic Sea. The construction of a new cruise ship quay is expected to start this year. This will make it possible to receive large cruise ships and will open up and create another public space at the Port. Funds are also earmarked for preparatory work to develop the southern part of the port with a new area of 100 hectares. Port infrastructure will also be developed to ensure the continuity and expansion of ship repair and construction activities.
The Port of Klaipėda pays attention to green projects. The port is implementing an EU-funded project to install green hydrogen production facilities and public refueling stations. Onshore power infrastructure is planned, including charging stations at ro-ro terminals, so that ferries arriving at the Port of Klaipėda can connect to the grid and switch off their engines while in port.
As an infrastructure manager, one of the Port Authority’s key objectives remains to improve the existing port infrastructure to ensure the port’s competitiveness and safety, taking into market changes and needs. The company’s strategic action plan foresees that approximately one-third of the investments will be allocated to the development of the existing infrastructure and the provision of operational support: development of the port’s shared infrastructure, development of land connections, and provision of navigational safety.
