“Currently, large-scale investment projects are being implemented and planned in Klaipėda Seaport, and the port infrastructure is intensively managed with focus on green development. The valuable experience of Swedish seaports is very important to us in these areas. Looking into the future, we see that we have much potential to strengthen bilateral cooperation and open up new ways for passenger and cargo shipping and investment with the Port of Stockholm, especially in innovative and high added value areas,” said Minister of Transport and Communications Marius Skuodis.
In recent years, the growth of direct cargo volumes between Klaipėda and the Swedish ports has been registered: in 2022, the cargo volumes amounted to 3.74 million t (in 2021 – 3.61 million t). The parties are looking for opportunities to increase cooperation by developing new shipping lines for the ships transporting wheeled cargo (ro-r and ro-pax). According to the Minister, improved communication in the Baltic Region will open options for the passenger and (or) cargo shipping line Stockholm-Klaipėda.
Currently, cargo and passenger ferries run from Klaipėda to the ports of Karlshamn and Trelleborg in Sweden.
“Trade relations tie the Klaipėda Seaport with almost 70 countries in the world. Sweden with all its seaports is the second largest trading partner of Klaipėda. In recent years, the growing cargo flows from and to this country only prove that Sweden is a strategic partner of the Klaipėda Seaport, with which we want to develop even closer relationships in the cargo flow area, environmental and other areas,” said Algis Latakas, Director General of Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.
Minister Skuodis invited the Swedish port to exploit the possibilities of cargo transportation provided by the Klaipėda Seaport, as well as to participate in the creation of a wind farm in the sea near Klaipėda and in the development of the southern part of the port through reclamation, quay, pier, highway and railway construction and reconstruction.
In the next four years, it is expected to invest 300 million euros in the infrastructure of the Klaipėda Seaport. The most important seaport infrastructure projects in 2023-2026 – reconstruction of the breakwaters, deepening of the shipping channel up to 15.5 m and preparatory work to deepen the port up to 17 m.
By the end of 2026, it is also planned to install port infrastructure for the construction of the offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea with the estimated capacity of approx. 700 MW.
It has been emphasised that extensive new and unprecedented potential is also foreseen in sustainable port development, digitalisation, green energy and circular economy areas.
On 27-28 February, M. Skuodis attended the informal meeting of the European Union (EU) transport ministers. During his visit to Sweden, the Minister also visited the Arlanda Airport remote air traffic control centre together with the Swedish Minister for Infrastructure and Housing.
Sweden currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU.
