KLAIPEDA: The Klaipėda Port Authority is taking an important step forward in the development of the southern part of the port by launching a tender for construction works. The selected contractor will be responsible for creating 100 hectares of new land in an area that is currently part of the Curonian Lagoon, as well as carrying out other major infrastructure works.
“Contractors who will build the breakwaters are already on site, and we are now taking another major step towards turning this ambitious idea into reality by launching the construction tender for the entire area. This is an important milestone that brings us closer to goals that go far beyond simply building new quays. The development of the southern part of the port will create new opportunities for both the Port of Klaipėda and Lithuania. The new area will attract investors and enable the development of new terminals, bringing new jobs, economic growth and an even stronger transport and logistics sector,” says Algis Latakas, Director General of the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.
The contractor will be responsible for creating the new land area in the Curonian Lagoon and building a 1,300-metre quay. The works will also include removing a section of the 110 kV Marios–Juodkrantė overhead power line and installing a new underground power cable, carrying out part of the construction work on one of the breakwaters, dredging the port waters, installing stormwater drainage systems, and building a shoreline protection wall near Kiaulės Nugara Island.
The southern port development project will significantly expand the current port area. New terminals will be developed in the 100-hectare area, container handling capacity will be expanded, and the area also offers potential for the marine engineering industry. Once fully developed, the southern part of the port is expected to have the capacity to handle around 30 million tonnes of cargo per year.
The project, which will significantly increase the port’s operating and cargo handling capacity, accounts for the largest share of the investment programme under the Port of Klaipėda’s 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, with nearly EUR 600 million allocated to its implementation. Including future private investment, the total value of the development is expected to exceed EUR 1 billion.
Earlier this month, during a Government meeting held at the Klaipėda Port Authority, the procedure for leasing the new area, or parts of it, through a competitive tender was approved. An international tender to select an operator for the future site will be launched later this year.
