The financing can cover up to half of the program, with the balance
expected from the European Union and other institutions, alongside national
sources. The Klaipėda State Seaport Authority said it aimeds to complete the
works by the end of 2027. Among the 13
components is the adaptation of part of the civilian cruise terminal for NATO
vessels and allied military logistics. The terminal will continue serving
civilian transport while receiving infrastructure intended to satisfy NATO
requirements. Other works cover dredging, breakwater
reinforcement, quay reconstruction, shore power for ferries and Ro-Ro traffic,
facilities to produce and refuel with "green hydrogen",
low-local-emission port vessels, and maritime infrastructure for offshore wind
projects. The EIB project record identifies Klaipėda
as a core Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) maritime port. It said the
investment would expand capacity, enhance nautical safety and strengthen
environmental performance, while backing controversial and heavily-subsidised
offshore renewable energy deployment and military mobility. “Few
projects illustrate Europe's priorities as clearly as the Port of Klaipėda,”
EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer said in the financing
announcement. “It is an investment that directly contributes to
the missions of supporting European security and cohesion, while aligning with
the green transition.” The
shore-power equipment and port craft are intended to reduce local emissions
from port operations. The new vessels are to be built at European shipyards,
while the "green-hydrogen" facilities would provide production and
refueling capacity within the port.
Upgraded quays will support the installation and maintenance of offshore
wind farms. The EIB said the infrastructure should lower logistics costs for
renewable energy developments and enable more efficient offshore installation
work. The cruise terminal development
includes rebuilding the existing quays and adding new berths. A €43.9 million
contract was awarded to UAB Tilsta in December 2024, and the assigned works are
expected to take three years. UAB KRS received a separate €27 million contract
for a port administration building in February 2025.