Klaipeda Port’s Largest-Ever Expansion Project Begins Construction
[By Klaipeda Port’]
The Port of Klaipeda is moving into a new phase of the largest expansion project in its history, with the first works now getting underway. Site preparation has started in the southern part of the port, where a major new port area will be developed in the coming years.
“We are now very close to the start of the southern port expansion. After a long period of planning and preparation, work on site is beginning. Once the site is ready, construction of the southern breakwaters will start this autumn, marking the first stage of the largest expansion project in the history of the Port of Klaipeda. This project shows that we are steadily moving forward with our plans to build a stronger port for Lithuania. It will make the country more attractive to investors, strengthen our competitiveness in international markets and support military mobility needs that are important not only for Lithuania, but for the wider region,” says Algis Latakas, CEO of the Klaipeda Port Authority.
The southern breakwaters will be built by Tilsta, which won the tender launched earlier this year. The contract signed with the Klaipeda Port Authority is worth EUR 24.5 million excluding VAT. Construction is expected to begin this autumn.
The new breakwaters will also serve an important environmental purpose by helping to limit the flow of salt water into the Curonian Lagoon.
The southern port expansion will create new space and significantly increase the Port of Klaipeda’s capacity for port operations and cargo handling. Nearly EUR 600 million – the largest share of the Port’s investment programme for 2026–2029 – is planned for the project. Together with investment expected from future investors, the total value of the development will exceed EUR 1 billion, making it one of the largest investment projects currently being developed in Lithuania.
The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive
La Spezia Container Terminal’s Development Plan Continues
[By Contship Italia S.P.A]
Contracts have been signed for the supply of 4 ship-to-shore cranes and 18 yard cranes, representing a total investment of 90 million euros
Ahead of the start of construction work on the new Ravano Terminal, La Spezia Container Terminal (LSCT) has signed contracts for the supply of 4 ship-to-shore cranes and 18 yard cranes - RTGs and RMGs – representing a total investment of 90 million euros. The supply agreement has been awarded to a leading Chinese manufacturer following a comprehensive selection process involving the assessment of technological and quality requirements; delivery is scheduled to take place within the next 24-28 months.
This milestone represents one of the strategic initiatives paving the way for the development of the new quay and forms part of the wider modernization plan for the terminal. The plan involves a total investment of 350 million euros, earmarked for upgrading equipment, enhancing infrastructure and increasing LSCT’s overall operational capacity.
The four new ship-to-shore cranes will enable the terminal to handle the latest generation of container ships, including vessels of up to 24,000 TEU.
The planned configuration will allow for the simultaneous handling of three ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs), expanding service capacity on the main international routes. The ship-to-shore cranes will be designed to integrate technological systems; the planned solutions include automatic container identification via OCR (Optical Character Recognition), digital tracking of truck positions during loading and unloading, and vessel profile scanning. Finally, the new yard cranes will feature a cabinless design for remote controlled operations.
All equipment will be powered by electricity, and, in particular, the terminal’s first electric RTGs will be introduced. This decision is in line with the Contship Group’s decarbonization and gradual electrification of operational activities, which involves the adoption of energy-efficient solutions and the transition to renewable energy sources.
The double C-RMG cranes will be installed at the rail yard being developed as part of the Ravano project, which will feature five sets of tracks. The project aims to strengthen the integration of terminal activities with Contship’s intermodal operations. With this configuration, LSCT expects to increase its share of intermodal traffic from the current average of 33% to 50%, meaning that one in every two containers would be transported by rail.
The investment in equipment represents a further step in the development of the new Ravano Terminal. While awaiting the start of construction, the Group is carrying out all the necessary preparations for the project, which aims to support LSCT’s operational capacity and strengthen its links with the national and European logistics networks, thereby consolidating the role of the La Spezia Container Terminal as a strategic gateway in the Mediterranean.
The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.
Galveston Wharves Adds $28,000 to Maritime Education Endowments
[By Galveston Wharves]
Port funds Texas A&M, Galveston College maritime, trade scholarships with Maritime Day sponsor proceeds
The Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees is continuing its investment in the future of the maritime industry with $28,000 in additional contributions to maritime education endowments at Texas A&M University at Galveston and Galveston College.
The Wharves Board recently contributed $18,000 to its endowment at Texas A&M and $10,000 to its endowment at Galveston College. The funds are net proceeds from the port’s Maritime Day and scholarship luncheon fundraisers held on May 22.
The endowments were initially funded with net proceeds from the port’s bicentennial sponsorships in 2025. The Texas A&M endowment was established with more than $300,000 to provide scholarships for students pursuing maritime-related degrees. The Galveston College endowment was established with an initial $40,000 to support students pursuing maritime-related degrees and technical certifications.
Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO, said the additional contributions reinforce the port’s ongoing commitment to building a strong maritime workforce.
“As one of the Gulf Coast’s leading deepwater ports, the Port of Galveston depends on a strong pipeline of skilled professionals to sustain and grow our maritime economy. These additional contributions demonstrate our continued commitment to helping students gain the education and training they need to build successful careers and strengthen the maritime industry for generations to come.”
The A&M endowment provides $3,000 annual scholarships to four undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Maritime Business Administration, Marine Transportation or Marine Engineering Technology. Scholarships begin in fall 2026, with preference given to students from Galveston County.
“Strong partnerships between education and industry are essential to preparing the next generation of maritime professionals,” said Col. Michael E. Fossum ’80 (Ret.) USAFR, vice president of Texas A&M University and chief operating officer of Texas A&M University at Galveston. “Building this endowment demonstrates the port’s long-term commitment to our students and its investment in the future of the maritime industry.”
At Galveston College, the endowment supports students pursuing maritime-related degrees, including global logistics and supply chain management, as well as technical certifications such as welding and ship fitting.
Galveston College President Tracee Watts, Ed.D., said the college greatly appreciates the Wharves Board’s continued support.
“Galveston College is grateful to the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees for this continued investment in our students and the future of the region’s maritime workforce. These contributions will help open doors for students pursuing high-demand careers in maritime industries and skilled trades that are vital to the economic success of Galveston and the Gulf Coast.”
Galveston Harbor is a major economic engine with a $7.3 billion economic impact and nearly 24,000 direct and indirect jobs. The maritime industry supports a wide range of careers, including ship pilots, mariners, barge and tugboat crews, stevedores, ship repair workers and shipfitters, cruise staff, truck drivers, railroad workers, construction workers, logistics professionals and administrative staff.
The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.
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