Friday, February 28, 2025 - 18:27 by ce-press
The Port of Klaipeda has signed a contract for the construction of a €43.9 million cruise terminal.
"The signing of the contract marks the start of a new phase in the transformation of the city. The modern and state-of-the-art cruise ship terminal will not only enrich the infrastructure of the Port of Klaipeda, but will also create a new space where maritime spirit, city culture and recreation will merge,” said Algis Latakas, director general, Klaipeda State Seaport Authority.
A plot of land in the central part of the city and port, near the Winter Harbour, will primarily be used for the reconstruction of existing quays, the construction of new quays, and the adaptation of basin depths to meet new operational needs. All these works will be carried out by the successful tenderer UAB Tilsta and are expected to be completed within three years.
This new cruise terminal area will also become an attraction for Klaipeda residents and visitors to the lagoon. It will include an open amphitheatre oriented towards the water, pedestrian and cycling paths, spaces for recreation and events.
An administrative building is also planned for construction at the new terminal. This will house the Klaipeda port management and control team and the port authority administration. In addition to the office space, the ground floor will include cafe, a conference room and an observation deck on the roof of the building. A new marina for recreational ships is also planned next to the building to address the current shortage of space. Procurement procedures for the contract works are underway.
The design of the new cruise ship terminal was finalised at the end of 2023. The screening procedures for the environmental impact assessment of the potential project were finalised in July last year. The building permit was obtained in October last year.
This year, the port is expecting 63 calls with the season beginning earlier than before with the arrival of Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience on February 24.
"This early start to the cruise season is yet another sign that ports must adapt to rapidly changing market trends. This year’s first cruiseship not only arrives earlier than usual but also challenges traditional seasonality, proving that maritime tourism is no longer confined to the warmer months. These developments reaffirm our commitment to investing in the growth of cruise shipping,” says Latakas.
The first ship of the 2025 season, Ambience, brought 1,289 passengers - mainly British - to Klaipeda. Almost 40 percent of the ships calling will be longer than 290m.
