Klaipėda Port quays – platform for offshore wind energy
KLAIPEDA : Klaipėda Port Authority starts constructing the infrastructure for the offshore wind energy projects – the contract was signed for the reconstruction of quays on Smeltė peninsula, which will ensure smooth assembly, handling and transportation of wind turbines.
“The signing of the quays reconstruction contract signals the readiness of Klaipėda Port to take an active part in the development of the offshore wind energy. The reconstruction of quays is not only the infrastructure upgrade, but also a contribution of Klaipėda Port to the new generation energy projects. We are laying the foundations that will allow for offshore wind energy to become a significant part of the country’s energy sector,” says Algis Latakas, CEO of Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.
The successful tenderer UAB Tilsta has been tasked with reconstructing the quays at the former International Ferry Port. As the reconstructed quays will be used for assembly, handling, storage and transportation of wind turbines, the work site will be designed for high loads (40 t/m2). In total, around 453 m of quays will be reconstructed on Smeltė peninsula. The contractor has also been tasked with carrying out dredging works in the quays to a depth of 12 metres. The current depth is 10 metres.
Further away from the quays, the depth of 12 metres has already been reached.
To ensure the comprehensive servicing of the wind farm being developed in Lithuania, providing the project with the resources needed for construction (handling, assembly, storage of wind turbines and their components) and servicing the wind farm during its operation, ensuring smooth operations and, considering the prospect of servicing other Baltic Sea wind farms in the future, in May 2022, Klaipėda State Seaport Authority and Klaipėda Stevedoring Company KLASCO signed the investment agreement, under which the development of the port’s infrastructure required for the country’s planned offshore wind farm expansion will start soon.
The screening procedures for the environmental impact assessment of the potential project were finalised in November last year. The Environmental Protection Agency has decided that these operations do not need the environmental impact assessment.
The technical design for the reconstruction of parts of quays No 149, 150, 151 was prepared by UAB Hidrosfera.
The reconstruction of quays will be carried out by UAB Tilsta. The company is expected to complete all the operations entrusted to it by the end of next year. The contract value amounts to EUR 36.6 million, excluding VAT.
The development of the offshore wind energy in Klaipėda Port is expected to open up new economic and professional opportunities: from the creation of specialised service centres, which will generate highly skilled jobs, to additional orders for shipbuilding and repair companies. This sector is also likely to have a positive impact on the service and accommodation industries, and provide an opportunity for academia to adapt its curricula to include new specialisations related to the offshore wind energy.