A new cruise ship terminal is set to be developed in the central area of Klaipėda, featuring the reconstruction of existing quays, the construction of new ones, and adjustments to accommodate updated depth requirements.
“The new cruise ship terminal project will not only increase the capacity of the Port of Klaipėda to accommodate more cruise ships and tourists but will also create a new space for the city. This project is a long-term investment in Klaipėda’s future and its international attractiveness”, commented Algis Latakas, Director General of Klaipėda Port Authority.
The terminal will also house an administrative building, with a building permit already secured for the project.
This new cruise terminal area is poised to become a significant attraction for both Klaipėda residents and visitors, offering an appealing venue for events, an open amphitheater facing the water, and pathways for pedestrians and cyclists.
The ground floor of the Port Authority’s administrative building will include cafés and a conference room, along with a rooftop observation deck. Additionally, plans are in place to construct a new marina for recreational boats nearby to address the current space shortage.
The design for the cruise ship terminal was finalized at the end of last year, created by UAB “Statybos inžinierių konsultantų biuras” (Office of Consulting Structural Engineers) based on the winning proposal from an architectural competition. The project team includes a Private Limited Company “Architektūros linija” and Small Partnership “Devyni plius architektai,” with Gintaras Čaikauskas serving as project manager alongside Andrius Keizikas, Arnas Deltuva, Martynas Lukas, and Miroslaw Szejnycki.
Screening procedures for a potential environmental impact assessment were completed in July this year, with the Environmental Protection Agency determining that an assessment is not necessary for this project.
Before the pandemic, which halted cruise shipping, the Lithuanian port faced a significant shortage of berthing space for cruise ships. Each year, the Port Authority has to decline about 10 requests from cruise ships wishing to dock in Klaipėda due to insufficient space. To address this issue, the decision was made to construct a new quay that can accommodate more cruise ships and international tourists.
The project will be executed in two phases: the first phase involves the reconstruction and extension of existing quays in poor condition, along with the construction of new quays and dredging of the water area.
The second phase will focus on utility installations, landscaping, and the construction of the administrative building. The entire project is anticipated to take approximately three years to complete. Next year, the Port of Klaipėda is expected to welcome over 60 cruise ships, with the first arrival scheduled for February.
