The Port of Klaipeda launches the creation of infrastructure needed for an offshore wind farm
Klaipeda State Seaport Authority and Klaipeda Stevedoring Company (KLASCO) have signed an investment agreement to develop the port infrastructure required for the planned development of offshore wind farms. The Port of Klaipeda, with its planned wind farm of around 700 MW in the Baltic Sea, is expected to become a crucial platform for the resources needed for this project.
In order to develop sustainable energy sources and increase the country’s energy independence, Lithuania is actively preparing for the development of offshore wind energy sources in the Baltic Sea.
Under the agreement, the Port Authority undertakes to provide the infrastructure on the Smelte peninsula to enable the development of production, assembly or storage activities for offshore wind power plants and components.
“The Port of Klaipėda is taking another step that will significantly contribute to strengthening Lithuania’s energy independence. This is the start of real work to attract an investor to a nationally important energy project – offshore wind power development. Diversifying activities and creating conditions for such activities in the port that create high added value is one of the goals of the Port Authority”, – emphasizes Algis Latakas, Director General of Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.
Investments in the infrastructure of the Smelte peninsula could amount to around EUR 27 million.
“The Government’s decision to reduce the Port Authority’s average annual return on investment in wind energy infrastructure to 2% allows this investment to be implemented without placing a significant burden on future wind energy generation developers,” says A. Latakas.
On the Smelte peninsula, the quays will be reconstructed to accommodate for the loading and assembly of wind turbines. Around 20 hectares of land will be used for these activities. Klasco, for its part, undertakes to build the relevant superstructure.
“Offshore construction is a complex project. Bulky cargo will have to be unloaded, properly stored, assembled and transported by special vessels to the sea, where the wind turbines will be placed in the designated locations. We believe that most of this transshipment could be done by Lithuania through the Port of Klaipėda. Understanding the significance of such a project for the energy independence of Lithuania and the entire Baltic region, we are ready to contribute to the implementation of such an important project together with the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority,” says Vytautas Stumbergas, CEO of KLASCO.
