Vision of new cruise ship terminal at Klaipėda Port becomes reality: construction contract signed

KLAIPEDA : An important step has been taken in the implementation of one of the most significant projects of the Port of Klaipėda – a contract has been signed, paving the way for the construction of a new and modern cruise ship terminal. This agreement not only symbolises the real start of the project, but also consolidates the Port Authority’s commitment to the development of a smart and city-friendly infrastructure.

“The signing of the contract marks the start of a new phase in the transformation of the city. The modern and state-of-the-art cruise ship terminal will not only enrich the infrastructure of the Port of Klaipėda, but will also create a new space where maritime spirit, city culture and recreation will merge. A city-friendly cruise ship terminal in Klaipėda is becoming not only a dream, but also a reality,” says Algis Latakas, Director General of Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.

A plot of land in the central part of the city and port will primarily be used for the reconstruction of existing quays, the construction of new quays, and the adaptation of basin depths to meet new operational needs. All these works will be carried out by the successful tenderer UAB Tilsta.

The new cruise ship terminal area will also become a new attraction for Klaipėda residents and visitors to the lagoon. It will create an attractive venue for port events, an open amphitheatre oriented towards the water, pedestrian and cycling paths, spaces for recreation and events.

Later, an administrative building is planned for construction at the new terminal, which will house the Klaipėda port management and control team and the Port Authority administration. In addition to the office space, the ground floor will include café, a conference room and an observation deck on the roof of the building. A new marina for recreational ships is also planned next to the building to address the current shortage of space. Procurement procedures for the contract works are underway.

The design of the new cruise ship terminal was finalised at the end of 2023. The project was prepared by UAB “Statybos inžinierių konsultantų biuras” (Office of Consulting Structural Engineers) on the basis of the winning entry in the architectural competition, the authors of the project are Private Limited Company “Architektūros linija” and architects from Small partnership “Devyni plius architektai” Gintaras Čaikauskas (project manager), Andrius Keizikas, Arnas Deltuva, Martynas Lukas, Miroslaw Szejnycki.

The screening procedures for the environmental impact assessment of the potential project were finalised in July last year. The building permit was obtained in October last year.

The contract for the works is signed with UAB Tilsta. The company is expected to complete all the work entrusted to it within three years. The contract amount is €43.9 million including VAT.