Maritime trade has been ongoing in Klaipėda since the 13th century, and today Klaipėda Seaport is a busy port of call for freight transport, as well as cruise ships and regular ferry service. Like many long-established ports, the neighboring city has grown alongside the port, and therefore, land available for expansion is limited. However, the southern tip of the port offers opportunities for expansion at what is one of the few ice-free ports in northern Europe.
The port is evaluating projects to strengthen its long-term competitive edge and has engaged Moffatt & Nichol for conceptual planning to develop the southern portion of the port, focusing on development options for containers, project cargo, and general/bulk capacity. This planning study is the first step in a competitive procurement process for port infrastructure development and is expected to take about seven months. Moffatt & Nichol’s contract includes consulting services during the implementation of the environmental impact assessment.
The expansion, which is the result of long-range planning efforts, is expected to help the port remain competitive, react efficiently to market changes, and attract investors. The estimated 70-hectare (173-acre) development will improve the entrance channel and create an additional 1,300-meter (4,265-foot) quayline, allowing the port to handle vessels up to 400 meters (1,312 feet) long, with a draft up to 16.5 meters (54 feet). The proposed infrastructure will support cargo handling, warehousing, manufacturing, and added value services. The port development will include a marina that will be able to accommodate small and leisure boats.
