Liepāja Port Reboots €18m Berth 46 Project for NATO-Grade Mobility

The Liepāja Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Authority has officially terminated its current procurement for the reconstruction of Berth 46, initiating an immediate restart of the tender process. This strategic pivot is driven by a shift in European Union funding structures and a renewed focus on “dual-use” infrastructure—ensuring the port can handle both commercial Ro-Ro ferries and heavy military transport.

At the heart of the decision is an €18 million investment plan that balances regional economic growth with the growing logistical demands of Baltic security. By restructuring the technical specifications now, the SEZ Authority aims to eliminate the risk of “double funding” and align the project with specific EU Cohesion Policy goals for military mobility.

The Financial Framework and Funding Shift

The project’s evolution highlights the complexities of navigating EU infrastructure grants. Initially, Liepāja had secured a €6.9 million grant from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). However, as the project’s scope expanded to require over €10.6 million from the EU Cohesion Fund, it was discovered that these two specific funding streams could not be combined.

To secure the larger sum and ensure the project remains viable, the SEZ board opted to cancel the previous agreement and re-apply under the “Strengthening Military Mobility” priority. This move ensures the public funding component reaches its maximum potential without violating EU transparency and anti-duplication rules.

Balancing Civil and Military Requirements

While the total budget remains significant, the reduction in available public funding to €10.66 million necessitated an “optimisation” of the original design. The SEZ Authority has trimmed certain environmental features—specifically the installation of shore-side electricity for vessels and specialized wastewater collection systems—to prioritize structural integrity and capacity.

Despite these cuts, the core mission of Berth 46 remains unchanged: facilitating the safe and efficient handling of large-scale ferry traffic. Under the new specifications, the berth must be capable of servicing two military-grade ferries simultaneously. This requires specific engineering standards that allow for the rapid deployment of equipment, a critical component of NATO’s logistical chain in the Baltic region.

Technical Scope of the Reconstruction

The updated procurement, which begins with consultations this week, outlines a comprehensive overhaul of the existing site. The reconstruction will include:

• Dredging and Bed Strengthening: Necessary works on the northern side of the berth to accommodate deeper-draft vessels.
• Superstructure Overhaul: A complete rebuild of the berth’s upper surface to handle increased weight loads.
• Mooring Infrastructure: The construction of three new mooring platforms to ensure stability for various ship sizes.
• Transport Links: New road and utility infrastructure, including rainwater drainage and fire safety systems, specifically designed for high-intensity port operations.
• Loading Ramps: The installation of one static and one hydraulic loading ramp to provide flexibility for different vessel types.

Strategic Importance for the Baltic Corridor

For the city of Liepāja and the wider Baltic region, the redevelopment of Berth 46 is more than a local construction project. It represents a vital link in the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). By modernizing this infrastructure, Latvia strengthens its position as a reliable partner for both international shipping lines and defense logistics.

The SEZ Authority is moving rapidly, with the new procurement procedure expected to be fully underway by the end of this week. Potential bidders will first engage in consultations to ensure the updated technical specifications are understood, followed by a formal call for tenders. This proactive approach aims to keep the project on track for its 2026 milestones, ensuring that Liepāja remains a cornerstone of both commercial trade and regional security.

Source: Liepājas valstspilsētas pašvaldība