The Port of Klaipėda is preparing for an important next step in the development of the southern part of the port – the selection of operators for a 100-hectare area. The project is expected to become one of the biggest investment projects not only in the port, but also in Lithuania. To help attract strong international operators and ensure a professional tender process, the Port Authority has signed an agreement with transaction advisory company Ernst & Young Baltic.

“This year, we plan to announce an international tender for the operator that will carry out activities in the future territory. In order to successfully implement the tender and secure the best conditions for the port, we need strong and qualified external expertise. I believe that together with Ernst & Young Baltic, we will achieve this goal,” says Algis Latakas, CEO of Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.

The total investment in the development of the southern port area could exceed €1 billion. This makes it the biggest project in the history of the Port of Klaipėda and one of Lithuania’s most significant investment projects. It will create opportunities for new terminals, attract local and foreign investors, strengthen the country’s transport and logistics sector, and expand the labor market.

Such an ambitious project also calls for innovative solutions. One of these steps will be this year’s planned tender for the lease of a future 100-hectare port area that is still to be developed. The goal is to attract future terminal operators and tenants to the new port area, with operators contributing to part of the infrastructure financing while the Port Authority undertakes land development, quay construction, and other key infrastructure works.

Experts from Ernst & Young Baltic will assist the Port Authority in preparing the tender documentation, carrying out economic calculations, and advising on legal, commercial, and financial conditions for future operators. They will also help ensure that the tender is organized according to international best practices, attracts as many participants as possible, and meets the highest transparency standards. The value of the agreement between the Port Authority and Ernst & Young Baltic amounts to €868,000.

Last year, the company Aplan began preparing the technical development solutions for the southern port area. The construction permit is expected to be obtained later this year.
Source: Port of Klaipėda