Lithuania’s Klaipėda Port Authority has commenced the construction of the infrastructure for the offshore wind projects, signing a contract for the reconstruction of quays on Smeltė peninsula.
UAB Tilsta has been contracted to reconstruct the quays at the former International Ferry Port. As the reconstructed quays will be used for the assembly, handling, storage, and transportation of offshore wind turbines, the work site will be designed for high loads (40 t/m²).
In total, around 453 metres of quays will be reconstructed on Smeltė peninsula. The contractor has also been tasked with carrying out dredging works in the quays to a depth of twelve metres (the current depth is ten metres).
“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 the infrastructure upgrade, but also a contribution of Klaipėda Port to the new generation energy projects,” said Algis Latakas , CEO of Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.
UAB Tilsta is expected to complete all operations at the port by the end of next year. The contract value amounts to EUR 36.6 million, excluding VAT.
To facilitate the development of offshore wind infrastructure in Lithuania, Klaipėda State Seaport Authority and Klaipėda Stevedoring Company KLASCO entered into an investment agreement in May 2022.
The screening procedures for the environmental impact assessment of the potential project were finalised in November 2024. The Environmental Protection Agency has decided that these operations do not need the environmental impact assessment, according to the port.
Last month, the country suspended the tender process for the second offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea to re-evaluate the conditions and minimise the impact on electricity prices for consumers.
The Lithuanian government held the auction, the country’s first for an offshore wind project, in 2023. In July, the government provisionally selected the joint venture between Ocean Winds and Ignitis Renewables. Three months later, it officially confirmed the joint venture as the developer of Lithuania’s first offshore wind farm.
The country plans to have two offshore wind farms with a combined capacity of 1.4 GW.