Klaipėda Port Authority, Lithuania, is pressing ahead with plans to invest EUR308 million (USD334.1 million) in modern infrastructure, maritime business value creation and sustainability solutions.
In addition to traditional annual investments in the modernisation of port quays, renewal of railway lines and dredging of the shipping channel, the port authority will also focus on developing new infrastructure in the port.
One of the most important projects in the coming years is the development of infrastructure to support offshore wind energy projects on the Smeltė Peninsula. The existing quays will be reconstructed, and as the area will be used for the assembly, stevedoring, storage, and transport of wind turbines, the site will be adapted to accommodate high loads (40 tonnes per sq m), with the water area depths adjusted to meet new requirements.
Klaipėda port is also preparing to execute one of the largest projects in its history – to develop and start using a new 100 ha area in the southern part of the port. Funds have been earmarked for preparatory work on its development in the coming years, and investors are being sought.
The port authority also provided an update on its green hydrogen production and supply project, which is set to be completed next year. That facility is expected to produce around 500 kg of hydrogen per day (up to 127 tonnes per year), some of which has been contracted to a new waste collection ship. The remaining hydrogen will be used to refuel other vehicles – ships, railways and land road vehicles. Hydrogen will be available for public transport and to refuel private cars. Agreements have been signed with one of the stevedoring companies operating in Klaipėda port and with LTG Group for the use of green hydrogen in locomotives and rail transport.
