Plans of the Port of Klaipeda

By Kristina Gontier

The Port of Klaipeda is the northernmost ice-free port on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. Throughout the last few years the annual cargo throughput of the port is constantly growing. In 2007 Klaipeda port reached the record cargo turnover in the history of the port - 27,36 million t. Moreover, 10-15 percent growth of cargo turnover is planned in 2008 which means that in 2008 Klaipeda port expects to handle approx. 31 mln. t of cargo. The full port capacity is over 40 mln. t.

Klaipeda port is a deep-water port: the port entrance depth -15 m, the deph of navigation channel -14.0 m. Approx. 7500 vessels from 65 countries call the port annually. Various types of quays are being reconstructed and constructed now; the port waters are being dredged. The construction of passenger and cargo terminal is among one of the largest projects. It will be constructed in the middle of the port and the city. The construction is planned for 2009 - 2010, using EU structural funds. This terminal will serve cruise vessels, ro-ro, ro-pax type vessels. One of the most ambitious future investment projects is the construction of a deep water (up to -17 m) avant-port. An artificial island - 1.5 kilometres long and 700 metres wide -would be constructed offshore. It would be connected with the now operating port by railways and motor roads.

The construction and reconstruction projects involve dredging works. Dredging and widening of the northern part of port navigation channel will allow accommodating larger vessels and increasing navigation safety. Presently, the water depth in the entrance channel is -15m, and in the northern part of navigation channel -14 m; it is foreseen to increase the water depth in the entrance channel up to -15,5 m by the end of 2008.

Reconstructing the quays and dredging the port waters, Klaipeda port creates better conditions for cargo handling capacities. However, a better access to the railways and roads and internal port railway network is needed. About 70 % of all cargo handled in the port is transported by railways.

As the cargo flows are constantly growing, the traffic of vehicles is intensified in the southern area of the port. The present state of roads does not correspond for such intensive traffic. The extensive reconstruction of motorways is planned for 2010.

Development of maritime tourism infrastructure - yachts and small ships harbour in Klaipeda castle place is also planned in 2009.