The Port of Klaipėda is building a new cruise terminal to increase capacity and attract more tourists. The project, located in the city’s central area, will involve reconstructing old quays, building new ones, and dredging the water area to accommodate larger cruise ships.
According to Algis Latakas, Director General of Klaipėda Port Authority, the terminal will not only boost tourism but also provide new recreational spaces, including an open-air amphitheater, pedestrian and cycling paths, and a marina for recreational vessels.
The terminal’s administrative building will feature cafés, a conference room, and a rooftop observation deck. A shortage of berth space has forced the port to turn away around 10 cruise ships annually, making the expansion crucial.
Construction will proceed in two phases, starting with quay upgrades and dredging, followed by utility installations, landscaping, and the new administrative building. The project is expected to take three years, with the port already preparing to welcome more than 60 cruise ships next year, starting in February.
The design was prepared by UAB "Statybos inžinierių konsultantų biuras" (Office of Consulting Structural Engineers) based on the winning entry from an architectural competition, with environmental assessments confirming no significant impact.