The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €100 million loan for a €201 million modernisation and expansion program at Lithuania’s Klaipėda port.
The financing can cover up to half of the program, with the balance expected from the European Union and other institutions, alongside national sources. The Klaipėda State Seaport Authority said it aimeds to complete the works by the end of 2027.
Among the 13 components is the adaptation of part of the civilian cruise terminal for NATO vessels and allied military logistics. The terminal will continue serving civilian transport while receiving infrastructure intended to satisfy NATO requirements.
Other works cover dredging, breakwater reinforcement, quay reconstruction, shore power for ferries and Ro-Ro traffic, facilities to produce and refuel with "green hydrogen", low-local-emission port vessels, and maritime infrastructure for offshore wind projects.
The EIB project record identifies Klaipėda as a core Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) maritime port. It said the investment would expand capacity, enhance nautical safety and strengthen environmental performance, while backing controversial and heavily-subsidised offshore renewable energy deployment and military mobility.
“Few projects illustrate Europe's priorities as clearly as the Port of Klaipėda,” EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer said in the financing announcement. “It is an investment that directly contributes to the missions of supporting European security and cohesion, while aligning with the green transition.”
The shore-power equipment and port craft are intended to reduce local emissions from port operations. The new vessels are to be built at European shipyards, while the "green-hydrogen" facilities would provide production and refueling capacity within the port.
Upgraded quays will support the installation and maintenance of offshore wind farms. The EIB said the infrastructure should lower logistics costs for renewable energy developments and enable more efficient offshore installation work.
The cruise terminal development includes rebuilding the existing quays and adding new berths. A €43.9 million contract was awarded to UAB Tilsta in December 2024, and the assigned works are expected to take three years. UAB KRS received a separate €27 million contract for a port administration building in February 2025.