Klaipėda Port Authority is steadfastly moving forward with the implementation of the Port’s vision to become an innovative hub for port services, the maritime industry, and green energy. This direction is reflected in ambitious development plans. Over the next four years, the Port Authority plans to invest EUR 308 million in modern infrastructure, maritime business value creation, and sustainability solutions. From offshore wind energy infrastructure to green hydrogen production, Klaipėda Port aims to be the region’s most advanced maritime transport hub, poised to meet both market and environmental challenges.
“Today, the Klaipėda Port is building its future – progressive and sustainable. Our vision is to become an innovative hub for port services, the maritime industry, and green energy – one that not only adapts to global changes but also shapes them. It is a path where tradition meets innovation, and sustainable development becomes an integral part of the port’s identity”, – says Algis Latakas, Director General of Klaipėda Port Authority.
In addition to the traditional annual investments in the modernization of port quays, renewal of railway lines, and dredging of the shipping channel, the Port Authority will also focus on developing new infrastructure in the port, which will be of national importance during the 2025–2028 period. One of the most important projects in the coming years is the infrastructure for offshore wind energy projects on the Smeltė Peninsula. The existing quays will be reconstructed, and as the area will be used for the assembly, stevedoring, storage, and transport of wind turbines, the site will be adapted to accommodate high loads (40 t/m²), with the water area depths adjusted to meet new requirements.
The Klaipėda Port is preparing to implement one of the largest projects in its history – to develop and start using a new 100-hectare area in the southern part of the port. Funds have been earmarked for preparatory work on its development in the coming years, and investors are being sought.
New infrastructure will also be developed for cruise shipping at Klaipėda Port. The reconstruction of the existing quays and the construction of new ones will soon begin on the land at central part of the city. The water area depths will also be adjusted to meet the new requirements of the area. Over the next three years, the new cruise ship terminal area will also become a new attraction for Klaipėda residents and visitors. It will create an attractive venue for port events with an open amphitheatre oriented towards the water, pedestrian and cycling paths, spaces for recreation and events.
The Port Authority, which has focused on sustainability projects in recent years, will continue to maintain its investment pace in this area. Already next year, ferries will be moored in the port and will be supplied with electricity directly from the shore to reduce pollution and noise. Three stations that will supply ferries with electricity will be installed at Klaipėda Central Terminal and one at Klaipėda Container Terminal in the southern part of the port. The electrification of quays is also planned for those quays where container ships and cruise liners, as well as Klaipėda Port fleet, are moored.
The new modern fleet base is currently under construction and will be ready to accommodate three new ships by the end of this year. Two hybrid pilot boats and the country’s first green hydrogen-powered waste collection ship are currently under construction.
The green hydrogen required by the new waste collection ship will also be produced at the port. The Port Authority is developing the first green hydrogen production and supply project in the Baltic States, which is set to be completed next year. In Klaipėda Port, green hydrogen will be produced by electrolysis using a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) type electrolyser. It is planned to produce around 500 kilograms of hydrogen per day and up to 127 tonnes per year. The rest of the hydrogen produced, not needed for the waste collection ship, will be used to refuel other vehicles – ships, railways and land road vehicles. Hydrogen will be available for public transport and to refuel private cars. Agreements have been signed with one of the stevedoring companies operating in Klaipėda Port and with LTG Group for the use of green hydrogen in locomotives and rail transport.
To promote the development of inland waterway transport, investments are planned for the development of Jurbarkas Port. After signing a cooperation agreement with the Jurbarkas District Municipality last year, the Seaport Authority plans to begin construction of a new port in Jurbarkas this year, at the confluence of the Nemunas and Mituva rivers.
These ambitious plans reflect the strategic direction of Klaipėda Port – not only to maintain but also to strengthen its competitive position in the Baltic Sea region, while simultaneously taking responsibility for environmental protection and sustainable growth.
Source: Klaipėda Port
