Klaipėda
lithuania
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© Klaipėda State Seaport Authority
About the region
The Region of Klaipėda is located in western Lithuania bordering the Baltic Sea. It unites seven municipalities and has a population of around 322 000 people.
Port of Klaipėda is Lithuania’s largest and most important transport center, with 58 000 related jobs, 70 mln. t. cargo capacity and generating more than 6% of the Lithuanian GDP.
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© Klaipėda State Seaport Authority
“Climate change is a challenge for which we must prepare strategically and for the long term. Summer storms, which force the Port of Klaipėda to restrict shipping, fluctuations in water levels in the port’s shipping channel, which affect cargo handling processes – these are just a few examples of the problems the Port of Klaipėda is already facing today. Participation in the P2R project is not only an opportunity, but also a necessity to ensure that our port becomes an example of how resilience strategies can help protect both businesses and communities in the region from the impacts of climate change. Klaipėda Port, as an integral and very important part of the Klaipėda region, is taking the lead in the journey towards a more climate-resilient future.”Algis Latakas, Director General at Port of Klaipeda
Main climate risks
windstorms
Windstorms are an escalating climate hazard at Klaipėda Port, driven by more intense winter storms and storm surges in the Baltic Sea. Over the past 60 years, the frequency of Baltic storm surges has increased significantly from an average of about 3.1 per year in the 1960s to around 5.5 per year by 2020, while episodes of high sea levels have become both more frequent and longer-lasting [1]. These surges, often caused by strong westerly winds pushing seawater into the Klaipėda Strait, are further amplified by rising baseline sea levels [2]. During major windstorms—like Storm Eunice in February 2022—gusts reached ~90–100 km/h, flooding port infrastructure and disrupting navigation as waves up to 5 m propagated into the harbour [3]. Climate change is expected to bring stronger winter storms from the west to Lithuania’s coast, increasing the risk of flooding, damage to the port, and disruption to local communities.
floods
Klaipeda county faces significant risks from river flooding, particularly due to the Dane and Nemunas Rivers. The region is vulnerable to compound floods, which are exacerbated by sea level rise and extreme weather events. These floods can impact urban areas, including residential zones and critical infrastructure in Klaipeda city [2].
Focus during Pathways2Resilience
Port of Klaipėda aims to improve its climate resilience. The goal is to ensure its long-term sustainability and operability, and climate-proof infrastructure to confront risks that arise from an increasingly unpredictable climate.
“Klaipėda Port has long been more than just a stop for vessels and cargoes – we are actively investing in green technologies and sustainable solutions that not only reduce our environmental impact, but also create new business opportunities. Sustainability is not an option today – it is the way of our future, and we are boldly embarking on it.”Algis Latakas, Director General at Port of Klaipeda
Interesting highlights
The Port of Klaipėda is Lithuania’s only seaport and one of the key logistics hubs in the Baltic region, continuously investing in innovation and development. The Port is implementing large-scale infrastructure projects – from the expansion of its southern part to the construction of a new cruise ship terminal. Committed to sustainability, the Port adopts innovative environmental technologies and actively engages in green initiatives. It is a strategically important pillar of the national economy, connecting Lithuania with global markets and creating long-term value for future generations.
Regional Resilience Journey
Port of Klaipėda has medium preparedness for all 3 RRJ steps.
Port of Klaipėda has highest capacities in Capabilities and Skills, and Knowledge and Data.
Key community systems priority areas
water-management
infrastructure
economy
Key enabling conditions priority areas
finances-resources
governance-engagement-collaboration
experimentation-learning-adjustment