Today, Palanga City Municipality took a historic step in the restoration of Šventoji Seaport – a contract was signed for the most important stage of the seaport reconstruction works, covering the construction of sea piers and other key port infrastructure. The project will be implemented by UAB Tilsta, the winner of an international tender.

“The restoration of Šventoji Seaport is a historic step not only for Palanga and the entire seaside region, but also for Lithuania as a maritime state. A project that has been developed for many years is finally entering its most important implementation stage – the basic infrastructure will be created, without which the port could not function fully.

The restored port will serve recreational navigation, tourism, fishing, the needs of state institutions and the development of the maritime economy. It will be used by recreational boats and yachts, state services and the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The environmental benefits of the project are also important – the piers will help retain sand deposits, which may later be used to replenish Palanga’s beaches.

As Šventoji Seaport is owned by the state, I would like to thank the Government, the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Ministry of the Interior for their constructive cooperation, professional approach and assistance in restoring the historic Šventoji Seaport,” said Palanga Mayor Šarūnas Vaitkus.

The construction works will be carried out in accordance with the technical design prepared by MB Kordonas. At this stage, the most important infrastructure of Šventoji Seaport will be created, forming the basis for its further development and operation.

One of the most significant parts of the project is the construction of two new outer piers. They will form the port entrance and protect it from Baltic Sea waves and sand deposits. A 647.5-metre-long southern pier and a 402.5-metre-long northern pier are planned. The hydraulic structures will be built using boulders, reinforced concrete and metal structures.

Four quays will be built in the area of the southern pier, with lengths ranging from 57.6 to 254.4 metres. They will become the main part of the future port’s internal infrastructure. A 9-metre-wide promenade for pedestrians and port visitors is planned along the entire length of the pier.

Long-term mooring places for small vessels and yachts are planned in the port basin, creating conditions for the further development of marinas and more active growth of maritime and coastal tourism.

The northern pier will primarily perform a coastal protection function – it will retain sand deposits and help ensure the stable operation of the port entrance. Due to its structure, it will not be intended for visitors or walking.

A major part of the project will consist of dredging works in the port basin and entrance channel. A depth of 6 metres is planned at the port entrance, while the depth of the inner basin will reach 4 metres. This will allow the port to safely accommodate fishing and recreational vessels, yachts and, in the future, coast guard, rescue and other special-purpose vessels.

To reduce sand entering the port and ensure the stable operation of the entrance, a 135-metre-long underwater retaining wall will also be built.

During the construction works, all necessary port infrastructure will be installed – mooring equipment, electricity and water supply columns for vessels, lighting systems, engineering networks and other infrastructure required for servicing vessels.

The project will be implemented in three stages. First, the piers will be built and the entrance formed. Later, the quays and underwater retaining wall will be installed and the port basin dredging works will be carried out. In the final stage, engineering networks and other port service infrastructure will be installed.

“The restoration of Šventoji Seaport is one of the most complex hydraulic infrastructure projects currently being implemented in Lithuania. The project involves the construction of piers with a total length of more than one kilometre, quays and large-scale dredging works in the port basin. We have many years of experience in implementing complex infrastructure projects, and we are fully prepared to build this strategically important facility on time and to the highest quality standards. We are proud to be contributing to the implementation of the historic vision of restoring Šventoji Seaport,” said Eduardas Grinaveckas, CEO of UAB Tilsta.

The international tender for the construction of Šventoji Seaport infrastructure – water structures, including piers and quays – was announced in February this year. Three bidders took part, but the proposals of two participants were rejected as they did not meet the tender conditions due to exceeding the budget allocated for the works.

The value of the signed construction contract amounts to EUR 38.23 million, including VAT. The project will be financed from European Union structural funds, the state budget and the budget of Palanga City Municipality.

All construction works must be completed within 24 months from the date the contract enters into force. In the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond the contractor’s control, the completion deadline may be extended by agreement of the parties twice, each time by six months.

Once the project is implemented, Lithuania will have a modern port for small and special-purpose vessels on the Baltic Sea coast. It will strengthen the country’s maritime infrastructure, contribute to regional economic development, the creation of new jobs and the growth of coastal tourism in Western Lithuania.

Palanga City Municipality has already implemented one stage of the restoration of Šventoji Seaport – the project for creating modern fishing infrastructure. As part of this project, infrastructure necessary for fishing activities was installed, better conditions were created for local fishermen and preparations were made for the further development of the port.

The technical design for the construction of a regional sailing school is also currently being finalised. It is expected that construction works for this facility will begin later this year, further strengthening Šventoji’s potential as a maritime and water sports centre.