Electrification of Klaipėda Port quays set to begin
The electrification of the first quays in Klaipėda Port is set to begin as a contract for infrastructure installation has been finalized.
By next year, roll-on/roll-off ferries docked at the Lithuanian port will be powered directly from the shore, reducing both emissions and noise pollution. This initiative is a technological upgrade and a significant step toward enhancing the port’s sustainability.
“Klaipėda port is changing its face. The electrification of quays is not only a modern technology but also a clear commitment to the city, the community and the environment. Imagine: vessels mooring at quays no longer emit smoke or noise they use green electricity instead of fuel. The signed contract is the first concrete step towards this vision,” stated Algis Latakas, CEO of Klaipėda Port Authority.
Three power supply stations for roll-on/roll-off ferries will be installed at Klaipėda Central Terminal, with an additional station planned for Klaipėda Container Terminal in the southern part of the port. These stations are expected to be operational by 2026.
The contract was awarded to UAB Vakarų Resta, which will be responsible for designing and constructing the transformer station foundations, as well as preparing the necessary infrastructure to lay cables from the transformer stations to the quays. This phase of the project is expected to be completed by May. The contract is valued at approximately US$256,000.
Meanwhile, Estonia has been working on a similar initiative since mid-last year, focusing on equipping ports with shore-based electricity supply. The equipment will be provided, installed, and commissioned by BLRT ERA AS, Lithuania Branch.
Additionally, procurement procedures are underway for constructing the electricity grid. The selected contractor will be responsible for installing cables from the substation to the newly built transformer stations.
Upon completion of this infrastructure project, Klaipėda Port plans to procure electricity from suppliers that generate power through renewable sources such as wind and solar energy.
The quay electrification project is partially funded under the Transport Programme of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), with US$9.4 million in EU funding allocated toward the initiative, which has a total estimated cost of approximately US$12 million.
Plans include expanding electrification to quays where container ships, cruise vessels, and Klaipėda Port’s fleet are docked. The entire project is expected to be completed by 2028.
Currently, vessels arriving at Klaipėda Port predominantly use diesel fuel, which not only powers their movement but also supplies energy while they are docked. Diesel fuels their onboard generators, contributing to pollution. A scientific study conducted last year assessing Klaipėda Port’s environmental impact concluded that implementing shore-based electricity supply infrastructure would significantly reduce emissions.
