The Klaipėda Port Authority has commenced the construction of infrastructure to support offshore wind energy projects, signing a contract for the building of quays on the Smeltė peninsula.
This development will facilitate the 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 an 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,” mentioned Algis Latakas, CEO of Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.
The contract was awarded to UAB Tilsta, which will reconstruct quays at the former International Ferry Port. The upgraded quays will be designed to withstand high loads (40 t/m²) and will support turbine assembly, storage, and transportation. A total of 453 meters of quays will be reconstructed, with dredging work planned to deepen the quays from 10 meters to 12 meters, aligning with the depth already achieved further offshore.
To ensure efficient support for Lithuania’s offshore wind farm development—including turbine handling, assembly, storage, and long-term servicing—Klaipėda State Seaport Authority and Klaipėda Stevedoring Company KLASCO signed an investment agreement in May 2022. This agreement paves the way for the expansion of port infrastructure, which will also accommodate future Baltic Sea wind farm projects.
The Environmental Protection Agency finalized screening procedures for the project’s environmental impact assessment in November last year and determined that no further assessment was required.
The technical design for reconstructing quays No. 149, 150, and 151 was prepared by UAB Hidrosfera, with UAB Tilsta undertaking the reconstruction. All operations are expected to be completed by the end of next year, with a contract value of US$37 million (excluding VAT).
The expansion of offshore wind energy infrastructure in Klaipėda Port is anticipated to generate new economic and professional opportunities, including the establishment of specialized service centres and the creation of highly skilled jobs.
