Just over a month has passed since the official start of construction at Šventoji Seaport, and preparatory works have already been completed, with construction of the northern breakwater now underway. UAB Tilsta, the company implementing the Šventoji Seaport project, has successfully completed the initial works and is moving on to one of the most technically challenging stages.

Preparatory Stage Completed

The preparatory construction works took approximately one month. First, an 18-metre-long and 8-metre-wide floating platform was installed across the Šventoji River to allow the movement of construction machinery and the transportation of materials.

“One of the more challenging tasks was transporting this platform by sea from Klaipėda. This was particularly difficult considering that autumn has already arrived and weather conditions are not the most favourable – strong winds are frequent, the sea is often rough, and the platform itself is quite large. However, with an experienced team, anything is possible. We successfully overcame this challenge. We also made sure not to forget the fishermen – the platform is equipped with a lifting ramp so that they can freely enter and leave the harbour,” said Eduardas Grinaveckas, CEO of UAB Tilsta, the company constructing Šventoji Seaport.

Construction of the Northern Breakwater Begins

According to the project, two breakwaters will be constructed: a 647.5-metre-long southern breakwater and a 402.5-metre-long northern breakwater. Construction has begun on the northern breakwater, which will provide protection from waves and facilitate further construction works.

Construction of the northern breakwater started from the shore. Approximately 240 metres will be built from the land side, while the remaining section of around 200 metres will be constructed from the water side.

Materials Arriving from Lithuania and Sweden

A structure of this scale requires large quantities of specialised construction materials. For example, as much as 17,500 square metres of geotextile will be needed – equivalent to almost three football pitches.

Materials will be delivered to the construction site periodically throughout the project. They are sourced from Lithuanian quarries and various storage facilities. For example, stones stored in Darbėnai will be used to construct the underwater core of the northern breakwater. Special armour stones used to protect the breakwaters will be transported by sea from Sweden to Klaipėda Port and then delivered by water to the northern breakwater.

The Biggest Challenge – The Forces of the Sea

Weather conditions have a significant impact on the progress and pace of construction. However, falling temperatures and even snow are not critical weather conditions that would bring the works to a halt. Wind and wave action are the factors that pose the greatest challenges when carrying out marine infrastructure projects.

The Tilsta team is hoping for favourable weather, calm seas and continued successful progress on one of the country’s most important maritime infrastructure projects.