The former International Ferry port is changing: the Port of Klaipėda prepares for the development of offshore wind energy

As Lithuania prepares to build its first windfarm in the Baltic Sea, the Port of Klaipėda is actively preparing to be a key platform for the wind turbine manufacturing industry as well as a base for their maintenance. Preparatory work is already underway in the southern part of the Port of Klaipėda, at the former International Ferry port.

The former International ferry port is undergoing a major transformation, with the demolition of buildings and preparations for a new phase of operations. The ferry port, which was opened in 1986, ceased to be a ferry port in 2017.

“Everything has a beginning and an end. No matter how long term and important the goals are, time, circumstances, conditions – whether they are achieved or not – at some point they become useless and it is time to pursue new ones. One of the best examples of this is the Smeltė Peninsula in the Port of Klaipėda. Not to mention the history, the ro-ro ferries to Germany, Denmark, Sweden have found a new home in another terminal, more adapted to such modern needs, and this one, named International Sea Ferry, is being transformed fundamentally both in its appearance and functions”, – says Algis Latakas, Director General of Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.

According to Mr Latakas, the Smeltė Peninsula is becoming a platform for the installation of offshore wind turbines in the Baltic Sea region.

“This is dictated by the times and the need of today. First and foremost, the need for offshore windfarms in Lithuania and the role of the port in building the country’s energy independence. I hope that many people in Klaipėda and in the country will find an excellent professional future in the new jobs created,” said Mr Latakas.

The Klaipėda State Seaport Authority and Klaipėda Sea Freight Company (Klasco) have signed an investment agreement to develop the port’s infrastructure required for the planned development of offshore windfarms.

The quays on the Smeltė Peninsula will be reconstructed to accommodate the loading and assembly of wind turbines. An area of about 20 ha will be adapted for this activity. Investments in the infrastructure of the Smeltė Peninsula could amount to more than €30 million.

“Klasco, for its part, is committed to installing the relevant superstructure and purchasing special handling equipment. Vitalijus Muštuk, the company’s Director General, expressed his satisfaction that the Port of Klaipėda is able to adapt to today’s dynamic geopolitical situation and to make timely and important decisions, which are aimed far into the future. The Smeltė Peninsula project is a prime example of this.

“As recently as December 2022, Klaipėda Port was not on the offshore wind industry map, while today Klasco is already a member of Wind Europe, an association, which includes more than 500 organisations in the sector from 35 different countries around the world. We are talked about and interested in by world-class wind industry giants who are among the Top 10 in the sector. Manufacturers of turbines, fleet developers, special equipment rental companies and other industry players have all visited the terminal on several occasions and are keeping a close eye on our progress,” said Mr. Muštuk, Director General of Klasco.

According to Mr. Muštuk, not only Klasco as a terminal, but also the whole port of Klaipėda has excellent opportunities to become the centre of offshore wind in the Baltic Sea, which is particularly favoured by our strategically convenient geographical location. Not only the planned Lithuanian offshore windfarm, but also the offshore wind clusters of Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Sweden and, under certain circumstances, Denmark can be reached from the Port of Klaipėda.

The offshore wind industry opens up additional opportunities for the port, such as service bases (centres) for the offshore farm, which create additional jobs requiring highly skilled professionals, and create value for shipbuilding and repair companies, the hospitality and service sectors. Educational institutions can update their curricula to include additional specialisations related to offshore wind.

The first offshore windfarm with a capacity of around 700 MW in the Lithuanian territorial waters off Palanga is planned to be operational in 2028.

By 2030, Lithuania plans to develop two offshore windfarms in the Baltic Sea with a combined capacity of 1.4 GW, which will provide half of Lithuania’s current electricity consumption.