In a significant move to bolster offshore wind infrastructure in the Baltic region, Dutch maritime construction leader Van Oord has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) alongside international port operator Euroports and renowned steel structure manufacturer Smulders. The announcement, made during the Wind Works Conference in Riga, signifies a pivotal moment in the development of the Liepaja Offshore Wind Terminal.
This milestone follows closely on the heels of a reservation agreement between Van Oord and the Liepaja Special Economic Zone (LSEZ) announced at Wind Europe in Bilbao. With offshore wind farm developments in the Baltics on the rise and port capacity lagging behind, Euroports and its partners recognize the urgent need for expansion. A social media update from Euroports revealed plans to establish a cutting-edge 55-hectare offshore port within the Port of Liepaja, strategically positioning it at the forefront of future offshore wind endeavors.
Euroports, boasting a network of 50 terminals globally, plays a pivotal role in global trade, handling over 70 million tons of various cargoes annually. With its expertise in port operations and management, Euroports brings invaluable insights to the consortium. Meanwhile, Smulders, a multidisciplinary construction firm with over 1700 employees spread across Europe, specializes in steel construction and offshore wind energy projects. Their involvement further strengthens the consortium’s capabilities, ensuring the successful realization of the Liepaja Offshore Wind Terminal.
The terminal’s strategic location at the heart of forthcoming offshore wind developments underscores its significance in facilitating the region’s renewable energy ambitions. Last month, Van Oord solidified its commitment to this vision by signing a contract with LSEZ for the construction of an offshore wind support base and an oversized cargo terminal within the Port of Liepaja. Construction of the offshore wind support base in the Outer Harbour is slated to commence in 2026, with operations expected to begin by mid-2027, according to LSEZ projections.
Source: LSEZ
