The Liepāja Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has announced a significant strategic shift in its port infrastructure development, restarting the procurement process for the reconstruction of Berth 46. The project, valued at approximately €18 million, is being redesigned to prioritise ‘military mobility’—a move that reflects the growing importance of the Baltic States’ logistics capabilities within the European security framework.
The decision to halt the previous procurement and launch a new one stems from a complex funding conflict involving European Union grants. While the port originally sought to combine different EU funding streams, it was determined that the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funds managed by CINEA could not be blended with other EU Cohesion funds for this specific project. To resolve this, the Liepāja SEZ terminated its existing agreement with CINEA to pursue a more substantial €10.66 million grant under the ‘Military Mobility’ priority of the EU Cohesion Policy Programme for 2021–2027.
Strategic Optimization and Technical Specifications
To align with the revised funding ceiling of €10.66 million in public investment, the technical specifications for Berth 46 have been ‘optimized.’ This optimization involves a trade-off: while the core structural integrity and capacity for Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) ferries and military vessels are maintained, some environmental features have been removed from the immediate plan.
Specifically, the installation of ship-to-shore power supply systems and contaminated water collection equipment has been cut from the current scope to ensure the primary infrastructure—capable of servicing two military-grade ferries simultaneously—remains financially viable. This highlights the difficult balancing act port authorities face between ‘green’ transition goals and urgent security-related infrastructure requirements.
| Project Component | Technical Detail / Status |
|---|---|
| Total Estimated Cost | €18,000,000 |
| EU Public Funding | €10,662,546 (Military Mobility) |
| SEZ Co-financing | €7,337,454 |
| Berth Capacity | Simultaneous servicing of 2 military ferries |
| Key Infrastructure | 3 mooring platforms, 1 static ramp, 1 hydraulic ramp |
| Dredging Works | Deepening and strengthening of the northern basin |
| Excluded Features | On-shore power supply and waste-water collection |
The Dual-Use Imperative on the Eastern Flank
The reconstruction of Berth 46 is not merely a local transport upgrade; it is a ‘dual-use’ project. In the context of the Baltic Sea’s current geopolitical climate, the ability to rapidly deploy and receive military equipment alongside civilian cargo is a top priority for NATO’s eastern flank. By adapting civilian infrastructure to meet military criteria—such as specific ramp strengths and basin depths—Liepāja is positioning itself as a critical node in the Suwałki Gap-adjacent logistics chain.
For the city of Liepāja, the project ensures that the port remains competitive in the commercial ferry market while securing its status as a strategic asset. The upgrades to the transport infrastructure, including new electricity supply, rainwater drainage, and fire-fighting systems, will modernise a significant section of the port territory, facilitating smoother Ro-Ro operations that are vital for trade between Latvia and Western Europe.
Next Steps for Procurement
The Liepāja SEZ authority is moving swiftly to avoid delays. The new procurement procedure begins this week with a round of consultations with interested bidders. This ‘market dialogue’ phase is intended to refine the updated technical specifications before formal bids are submitted.
The project is expected to proceed through 2024 and 2025, with the final infrastructure providing a robust platform for both the daily transit of commercial goods and the periodic requirements of international security exercises. For international observers and investors, the pivot demonstrates how European infrastructure projects are increasingly being viewed through the lens of ‘resilience’—where military utility is no longer a secondary consideration but a primary driver of funding and design.
Source: Liepājas valstspilsētas pašvaldība
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