Klaipėda’s Smiltynė ferry terminal opens after €13.8 million reconstruction

The renovated Smiltynė (New) ferry terminal in Klaipėda was officially opened after a 33‑month, €13.8 million upgrade. The new building, covering about 2.5 thousand square metres, now includes a passenger waiting hall, self‑service ticket kiosks and specially adapted spaces for people with reduced mobility. Over two hectares of surrounding land were redeveloped into public areas opening onto the Curonian Lagoon.

Transport Minister Jūras Taminskas highlighted the project as a strategic investment in the link between mainland Lithuania and the Curonian Spit, stressing its importance for both residents and visitors. Klaipėda State Seaport Director Algis Latakas called the terminal an integral part of the port’s development, linking cruise‑ship facilities with the ferry service. Smiltynė ferry terminal manager Mindaugas Čiakas noted that the modernization aims to make one of the most used connections to the Spit more comfortable and reliable.

During the same visit, the minister reviewed other Neringa infrastructure needs, including the planned Juodkrantė harbour, a 10‑kilometre road stretch through the Nagliai nature reserve, and traffic‑management improvements near the reserve. These initiatives are intended to boost maritime tourism and improve access to the Curonian Spit’s most popular sites.