Operations of Karlshamn - Klaipeda ferry line launched at Central Klaipeda Terminal
Ro-Pax ferry line that has started operating at Central Klaipeda Terminal (CKT) was presented in Klaipeda Seaport, Port of Klaipeda says in its press release. The Ro-Pax line ferries operate on Klaipeda - Karlshamn (Sweden) route. Last year this ferry line carried over 90 thousand passengers, more than 40 thou. passenger transport vehicles and over 60 thou. of cargo units on board.
Director General of Klaipeda State Seaport Arvydas Vaitkus told that CKT was one of the most significant projects that were implemented in Klaipeda Seaport.
„The terminal creates favourable conditions for expansion of efficient passenger and cargo transportation via Klaipeda Seaport and promotes maritime tourism that is beneficial to the entire Klaipeda town“, said A. Vaitkus.
According to Director of Central Klaipeda Terminal Benediktas Petrauskas the beginning of the activity of one of DFDS Seaways navigation lines at Central Terminal marks both the new stage of the Terminal activity and implementation of the key Terminal mission.
„Central Klaipeda Terminal is the first such terminal in Klaipeda Seaport conforming to European level. While constructing this terminal we have consulted the specialists from ferry business and assessed advantages and weak sides of already operating terminals, therefore as the result we can see that the Terminal was constructed following the most updated technological requirements applied to such type of objects,“ - said B. Petrauskas.
According to B. Petrauskas only a few Eastern Baltic coast Seaports can boast having such modern infrastructure. Therefore the construction of such terminal is a significant step towards modern development of Klaipeda Seaport that will help to attract new passenger and cargo flows in future.
The CEO of ferry line operator DFDS Seaways Jonas Nazarovas told that decision to start employing services of the new Terminal was taken essentially due to the quality of infrastructure of the Terminal:
„More than 14 years the company has been operating in Klaipeda Seaport that is still one of DFDS group centres, therefore naturally the new Terminal implies certain new possibilities for our business: the venue of the Terminal and its infrastructure definitely is attractive to our passengers and adjustable ramps will allow to load /unload cargo more rapidly and in a more qualified way. In case everything goes as it has been planned we will consider the possibility to transfer German and Denmark lines to the new Terminal“, told the director of DFDS Seaways.
The Central Klaipeda Terminal is able to moor three vessels simultaneously, the Terminal is equipped with one of the most updated adjustable hydraulic ramps that are particularly well-suited for Ro-Ro new type vessels and may bear heavy loads necessary for unloading of heavy weight equipment.Director General of Klaipeda State Seaport Authority A. Vaitkus also told that Central Klaipeda Terminal was an extremely significant object on the background of strict environmental requirements.
„Notwithstanding the fact that navigation in the Baltic Sea has been currently experiencing a certain slowdown due to EU Directive regarding the sulphur content in marine fuels, such object will certainly help to mitigate the impact of such requirements on the activity of the market and the Port will attract more navigation lines in future. Extremely favourable conditions created in Central Klaipeda Terminal and implemented modern technical solutions make Klaipeda both exceptional and at the same time more attractive comparing with other Baltic Seaports,“ said A. Vaitkus.
Within the entire period of project implementation process necessary infrastructure was constructed in the territory of Klaipeda Seaport in line with engineering communications, control and inspection posts and cargo storage plots/warehouses that would allow to render services approx. to 6 million tons of cargo and up to 500 thou. passengers annually.