Strengthening Military Mobility and Defence Capabilities at the Port of Ventspils

The objective of the project is to develop the dual-use public infrastructure of the Freeport of Ventspils, ensuring its efficient, safe and sustainable use for both civilian and military purposes. The project comprises four activities.

Renovation of Apvedtilts. The bridge over the River Venta, known as Apvedtilts (the Bypass Bridge), has been in operation since 2009, and no major renovation works have been carried out since then. Apvedtilts will be renovated to ensure not only uninterrupted traffic flow, including when the primary bridge is raised, but also a long service life, safety and military mobility capabilities.

Renewal of port navigation aids. Port navigation aids are exposed to adverse weather conditions and the marine environment, including corrosion, while the metal buoys and light fixtures currently in use have become outdated. The project intends to replace the existing metal navigation aids—26 light buoys and four sea marks—with polyethylene navigation aids. This will contribute to the safe and efficient operation of the port and the safety of navigation, while also supporting military mobility requirements.

Establishment of a detection system for objects of unknown origin. This activity involves the installation of equipment for detecting and potentially identifying objects moving underwater, on the water surface and in the air. The project intends to establish an independent power supply system for the radar, as well as a modern detection and surveillance system.

Establishment of a Security and Services Centre complex. The Freeport of Ventspils Authority includes several departments responsible for port surveillance, control, and management. These services are currently located in different parts of the city. The project intends to establish a Security and Services Centre complex that will bring all Freeport of Ventspils Authority services together in one location. This will improve cooperation and strengthen the capacity to respond rapidly to incidents.

Military mobility is essential for European security, as it enables the rapid movement of troops and military equipment. This requires appropriate infrastructure and procedures. This need is also addressed by the revised 2024 regulation on the development of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), which requires Member States to integrate military mobility into European transport policy by developing a TEN-T network that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. The Freeport of Ventspils is a TEN-T core network port.

The project is being implemented within the framework of the European Union Cohesion Fund. The total eligible project costs amount to EUR 12,544,172.00, of which EUR 10,662,546.20 is financed by the European Union Cohesion Fund and EUR 1,881,625.80 by the Freeport of Ventspils Authority. The project implementation period runs until 31 December 2029.