Completion of Three Major Projects at the Port of Klaipėda
AS “LNK Industries” has successfully implemented three significant development projects at the Port of Klaipėda, including constructing two breakwater support walls and creating an anchoring system, marking the final phase of the South Breakwater reconstruction. Over 300 meters of underwater walls were built using steel pipes drilled into the wave breaker structure, and an underwater anchoring system was installed for the support wall, extending over 120 meters. The team carried out the work in the harbor gate water area from floating platforms, operating 24/7 and completing it on schedule. The total contract value for the three projects amounted to slightly over 24 million euros, excluding VAT.
The construction of the interconnected steel pipe support walls, a unique and innovative approach, spanned a total length of 325 meters. This impermeable structure was created by drilling steel pipes up to 30 meters long into the channel bed at a depth of 28 meters. The team overcame the challenge of drilling through the existing breakwater barrier, consisting of granite stones and concrete blocks, by utilizing the DTH technology. This advanced drilling technique, commonly used in Scandinavian countries, allows for the drilling of large piles through solid rock. The underwater sections of the support wall, over 120 meters long, were further reinforced with anchors to provide better stability to the structure.
“The construction was carried out in the water using vessels and lifting platforms in the narrowest part of the Port of Klaipėda, the gate, where there is heavy ship traffic. For the construction of the underwater walls at the Port of Klaipėda, we acquired specific and extensive technical equipment and specialized drilling technology from Finland. The work processes were affected daily by weather conditions, geological circumstances, and maritime challenges in the Port of Klaipėda. Therefore, teams worked around the clock to meet the tight project deadlines. Despite a series of challenges, the project at the Port of Klaipėda has been completed successfully,” Director of AS “LNK Industries” Genadijs Kamkalovs expressing his satisfaction with the accomplishment.
The completion of the breakwater reconstruction project is a significant milestone in the strategic development of the Port of Klaipėda. The stabilization and reinforcement of the breakwater structure, a key part of the project, will enable the port to deepen (up to 17 meters) and widen the port channel. This enhancement in navigation safety and the port’s capacity to accommodate the world’s largest ships is a testament to the strategic importance of these projects for the port’s growth and competitiveness.
