Spaudos centras
Spaudos centras
· EIB to bolster defence and energy role of Lithuanian port of Klaipėda with €100 million loan
· Project to adapt cruise ship terminal to accommodate NATO vessels, strengthening military mobility in Baltic region
· EIB credit covers half of project, which also includes shoreside electricity, green hydrogen and offshore wind infrastructure
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing a €100 million loan to help transform Lithuania’s largest seaport, Klaipėda, into a strategic gateway for defence, energy and trade in the Baltic region. The Klaipėda State Seaport Authority will use the EIB loan to upgrade and expand infrastructure, strengthening the port's role in military mobility, increasing clean-energy facilities and supporting offshore wind development.
The location of the port, which dates to the 13th century, is important for North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operations. Parts of the civilian cruise-ship terminal are being adapted to meet NATO requirements, enabling more efficient logistical support for allied naval vessels. This dual-use approach strengthens military mobility while preserving the infrastructure’s value for civilian transport and the local economy. The whole project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027.
The EIB credit will cover up to half the project's total cost of around €201 million, with the remaining financing to come from the European Union, national sources and other institutions. The project also includes shoreside electricity supply for ferries, green-hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure, low-emission port vessels, upgraded quays for offshore wind development, dredging works and reinforced breakwaters.
"Few projects illustrate Europe's priorities as clearly as the Port of Klaipėda," said EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer. "It is an investment that directly contributes to the missions of supporting European security and cohesion, while aligning with the green transition.”
The port is part of the EU's core Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The upgraded quays and maritime infrastructure will help position Klaipėda as a key logistics hub for the deployment and maintenance of offshore wind farms, supporting Europe's green transition and energy security.
„Klaipėda Port is an important part of Lithuania’s infrastructure, supporting the country’s economy, energy security and national security,“ said Algis Latakas, Director General of the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority. “The financing agreement signed today with the EIB is an important step forward for the port’s development. It will help us deliver key projects that are shaping the future of Klaipėda Port – from the new dual-use Cruise Ship Terminal and shore power facilities to other investments that will strengthen the port’s competitiveness, sustainability and resilience.”
Background information
EIB Group
The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group is the financing arm of the European Union, owned by the 27 Member States, and one of the largest multilateral development banks in the world. In 2025, the EIB Group signed €100 billion in new financing and advisory services for over 870 high-impact projects under eight core priorities that support EU policy objectives: climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, territorial cohesion, agriculture and the bioeconomy, social infrastructure, strong global partnerships and the savings and investments union. Beyond long-term loans for large infrastructure, the EIB Group crowds in private investment for high-risk innovative projects and businesses, with a growing role in Europe’s markets for venture debt, venture capital, guarantees and securitisations.
Photos of the EIB Group's representatives and headquarters, logo files and video B-roll for media use are available here.
Port of Klaipėda
The Port of Klaipėda is the most important national transport hub. It connects the sea, land and railway routes, it serves as the gateway of the State of Lithuanian to the world.
Klaipėda port is also a particularly important part of the Lithuanian economy, generating annual returns for every Lithuanian citizen and creating competitive conditions for business development.
Continuous investment of the Port of Klaipėda Authority in development and modernisation of the port has brought it into the ranks of the most advanced and competitive ports.
The Port of Klaipėda is directly connected with 70 countries worldwide. Klaipėda receives 6,000 ships each year, bringing in and out around 40 million tonnes of cargoes, and up to half a million tourists and passengers arrive to Lithuania by cruise and passenger ships (816).
