The aim of the Project is to develop environmentally friendly port infrastructure, reducing the port’s impact on the urban environment and climate, and improving port safety. To achieve this goal, two main activities will be implemented within the Project – the renovation of the port’s Vessel Traffic Management System and the construction of onshore power supply connection points for vessels mooring at Berth No. 16.

Renovation of the Vessel Traffic Management System

The safe movement of vessels visiting the Freeport of Ventspils and their participation in international trade flows directly depend on the Freeport’s ability to ensure safe port operations.

The existing equipment of the Vessel Traffic Management Centre, originally installed in 1998, has become physically and technically outdated, as evidenced by the increasing number of emergency repairs in recent years.

Within the Project, the necessary equipment for vessel traffic management – including monitoring, communication, and control systems – will be supplied and installed. The project will also include the renovation, reconstruction, and construction of facilities required for the installation of this equipment.

Construction of Onshore Power Supply Connection Points at Berth No. 16

The Project will establish an onshore power supply point with a total capacity of 4000 kW, providing simultaneous connection for at least two Ro-Pax (cargo–passenger) vessels. The solution will comply with the requirements of Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 September 2023 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, regarding onshore power supply in maritime ports.

According to Directive 2014/94/EU, by 2025, European ports must ensure the availability of onshore power supply connections for vessels. By 2030, all core TEN-T (Trans-European Transport Network) ports must provide shore power access for all regularly serviced container and passenger vessels.

As a result of the Project, greenhouse gas emissions from vessels visiting the Freeport of Ventspils will be reduced. Onshore power supply enables ships to receive the necessary energy for their operations directly from the shore, thereby reducing harmful environmental impacts – such as emissions and noise generated by ship engines.
Overall, the Project will contribute to the development of environmentally sustainable port infrastructure, improve navigation safety, and decrease environmental pollution.

The Project is implemented within the framework of the European Union Cohesion Fund. The total eligible project costs amount to EUR 4,018,579.41, of which EUR 3,415,792.50 is financed by Cohesion Fund and EUR 602,786.91 is private eligible co-financing. The implementation period of the Project is from 15 November 2024 to 31 December 2029.