2024-03-28 16:06:48
We are inferior to Estonia and Latvia not only in terms of the number of large ports, but also in terms of geographical location. The length of our country’s sea coast is only 90.66 kilometers, Latvia’s – 498, and Estonia’s – almost 3.8 thousand. kilometer.
But even under such conditions, it is a shame that Lithuania basically does not have any small seaports.
For example, Estonia counts about 240 of them (together with the piers), and even 48 can accommodate passenger or cargo ships and ferries.
In the years 2015-2022 alone, Estonia built 55 marinas (piers) and 77 bigger or smaller fishing ports, independently or together with Latvia, with the help of European funds.
According to EU requirements, small harbors should be installed every 50 kilometers, so that small ships can hide in them from storms.
It is obvious that having Klaipėda alone, Lithuania does not meet such a requirement in any way.
Back in 2015, the technical project for the construction of the infrastructure of Šventoji port and dredging of the water area was prepared, which cost a lot. Six construction permits were also issued, but the project remained in limbo because the state did not allocate funds for it, which would have required about 40-50 million. euros.
The ice began to move only in 2018, when the Government transferred control of Šventoji port to the municipality of Palanga.
The most visible changes were made last year, when a boathouse, slips (places for launching boats) and other infrastructure needed by fishermen were installed.
According to the mayor of Palanga, Š.Vaitkaus, the municipality spent 4.2 million to renovate the port – build infrastructure for fishermen and clean up the territory. EUR of own budget funds, and another 1.7 million. EUR to the project from the EU fund.
The state has so far not provided any support to its port.
After completing the first works, the resort authorities began laying the foundations for the future. Last year, members of the Economic Committee of the Seimas, other politicians, as well as Prime Minister I. Šimonytė were invited to Šventoja.
The main goal was to show what work has already been done and what is still waiting for the future. And, of course, to decide on financing, because such investments would be unbearable for local authorities.
The most important thing now is to equip the piers, without which the port simply could not exist. Since it is impossible to receive EU funds directly for such works, the Government applied to the European Commission for the possibility of using the money allocated to the regions. If nothing changes, about 200 million should be allocated to seven municipalities. EUR, of which Palanga – 19 million. euros.
The resort is willing to invest this amount specifically in Šventoji port.
This is far from some unmeasured ambition. As the experience of other countries shows, expanding infrastructure in this way attracts a lot of funds from private investors.
For example, after the piers necessary for fishermen were installed in Šventoja last year, Palanga municipality issued as many as four construction permits for hotels with wellness centers.
Investments will undoubtedly increase if only yachts or other small ships can moor in this port.
“And this includes new jobs, personal income, real estate, and value-added taxes that will reach the state budget and thus investments will return,” Palanga Mayor Š.Vaitkus said.
It is planned that during this year it will be possible to prepare a project and obtain a construction permit, and next year to announce a tender for the construction of piers.
On the other hand, Šventoji has all the possibilities to become not only a water tourism center – there would be enough space for ships that would serve the state’s strategic objects.
For example, if even a small amount of oil is spilled at the Būtingė terminal, the vessel collecting it from Klaipėda has to sail for 3-4 hours. And from Šventoji, the distance is only a quarter of a kilometer, so it would be possible to reach the place of the incident much faster.
In Šventoja, ships servicing wind power parks planned to be built at sea could also be built, as well as a base for their maintenance and logistical support.
On the other hand, Navy speedboats or other equipment could be serviced here if needed.
Another paradox is that in Lithuania, which calls itself a maritime country, there are no opportunities to learn to sail in the open sea, only in the Curonian Lagoon, because it is hindered by intensive shipping in the port of Klaipėda.
Therefore, forces are already being assembled to establish a sailing school in Šventoja.
“Probably, the municipality of Palanga, as well as the municipalities of Klaipėda and Klaipėda district, will become partners of the sailing school “Žiemys” together.
Perhaps the municipality of Šilute will join, so we will have a sailing school necessary for the entire region”, explained the mayor of Palanga.
However, the initiative and funds of municipalities alone will not be enough for such projects – much greater attention of the Government to the port of Šventoji is necessary.
Also the funding, and it is not so important, whether from the state budget or from the funds provided by the EU.
2024-03-28 16:06:48