Lithuania Signs Historic Contract to Restore Šventoji Seaport

Lithuania has taken a significant step towards reclaiming its maritime heritage with the signing of a historic contract to restore the Šventoji seaport. The project, awarded to UAB "Tilsta" following an international tender, represents a crucial phase in reviving the coastal town's connection to the Baltic Sea.

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The restoration of the Šventoji seaport is a historic step not only for Palanga and the entire coastal region but for all of Lithuania as a maritime nation.

The contract, valued at 38.23 million euros including VAT, will be financed through a combination of European Union structural funds, state budget allocations, and contributions from the Palanga city municipality. Palanga Mayor Šarūnas Vaitkus hailed the restoration as "a historic step not only for Palanga and the entire coastal region but for all of Lithuania as a maritime nation."

The restoration will create essential infrastructure for the port's full functionality. Key components include the construction of two new external breakwaters, a 647.5-meter southern breakwater and a 402.5-meter northern breakwater, designed to protect the harbor entrance from Baltic Sea waves and sand accumulation. The southern breakwater will feature four quays, ranging from 57.6 to 254.4 meters in length, and a 9-meter-wide promenade for visitors.

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A decades-long project is finally moving into the crucial implementation stage – basic infrastructure will be created, without which the port could not fully function.

The northern breakwater will primarily serve a coastal protection role, preventing sand from entering the port and ensuring a stable entry channel. Dredging operations will deepen the port entrance to 6 meters and the inner basin to 4 meters, accommodating fishing vessels, recreational boats, yachts, and potentially coast guard and rescue ships in the future. A 135-meter underwater retaining wall will also be built to further manage sand ingress.

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The restored port will serve recreational shipping, tourism, fishing, the needs of state institutions, and the development of the maritime economy.

Once completed, the restored Šventoji seaport is envisioned to support recreational navigation, tourism, and fishing. It will also cater to the needs of state institutions and contribute to the development of the maritime economy. The project's environmental benefits include using retained sand to replenish Palanga's beaches, underscoring a commitment to sustainable coastal development.

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The breakwaters will help retain sand deposits, which can be used to supplement Palanga's beaches.