Monday, July 29, 2024 - 12:24 by ce-press
Klaipeda port presently has a maximum capacity at the existing Klaipeda Cruise Terminal of 80 calls a year. With the average increase in calls increasing between five to eight per cent year on year since 2015 (with the exception of the pandemic period), the current infrastructure has limitations.
This is partly due to the fact that 10 to 15 calls are rejected annually due to the terminal being used for public events or because of previous cruiseship bookings, explains Kristina Gontier, international relations manager, Klaipeda State Seaport Authority (KSSA).
Hence, in 2020, KSSA took the decision to expand cruise infrastructure by constructing Cruise Shipping Terminal II on the right bank of the River Dane in the city centre, opposite the existing terminal on the left bank.
Gontier says: “Cruise Shipping Terminal II will have a number of benefits, namely longer quays, greater port depth, larger public space for passengers, attractive surroundings with a variety of entertainment services, safer manoeuvring areas for buses, convenient access to public transportation and taxis.”
Due to be completed in spring 2027, it will be constructed at the same time as adjacent ‘Memel City’, which is being developed on the waterfront of the Curonian Lagoon and former site of the ship repair area. This will expand the city centre - with the construction of restaurants, bars, clubs, exhibition and concert halls, observation sites, parks, etc - increase the local economy, create jobs and attract tourism, cruise in particular, explains Gontier.
The second terminal will cover an area of 32,400m2 and have a 369m-long quay, with a width of 5m, a depth alongside of 11m and will be equipped with onshore power supply. It will be built on land owned by KSSA in trust, where existing quays will be re-constructed, the new quay will be built, and the port waters will be dredged.
The new terminal will also include an administrative building to house the seaport authority. The ground floor of the building will include cafes and a conference room and there will be a rooftop observation deck. The plan is also to build a marina on the site.
The tender for the selection of a contractor is now taking place with construction due to start in autumn 2024.
“Cruise Shipping Terminal II is designed to serve the ever-increasing requirements of cruiselines and passengers. The new terminal will have excellent connectivity to the city centre. The terminal areas alongside the future terminal quay, its waterfront and on-land manoeuvring areas provide for safe clearance during cruiseship movement and passenger embarkation and disembarkation,” says Gontier.
“Investing in the new terminal is not only about meeting the needs of the increasing size of the ships, but also about creating value for the city of Klaipeda and its residents. The new terminal will improve the city’s infrastructure, will be an attractive public space for both tourists and residents. It will also create an attractive venue for port events. An open amphitheatre, pedestrian and cycling paths, recreation spaces, and promenades will be built in the area,” she adds.
