The shore power connection project to the Klaipėda LNG terminal, implemented by KN Energies, has reached another important milestone with the arrive of a 3.88-km underwater power cable, manufactured in Finland specifically for the project. It will form part of the approximately 6.5-km power connection that will supply electricity from shore to the FSRU Independence.
The cable was manufactured by Prysmian Group Finland and ordered by AB Kauno tiltai, the contractor implementing the power connection project. Due to its length and weight, the cable was delivered to Lithuania on three separate drums with a combined weight of approximately 79 t. The cargo was shipped from Finland to Estonia and transported by road to the project construction site in Klaipėda.
“Our LNG terminal infrastructure must not only operate reliably and safely, but also be as sustainable as possible within the new energy ecosystem. We therefore consider this investment one of the most important steps in reducing emissions from our operations while also improving energy efficiency. It is important to note that this project is one of the first solutions of its kind globally and will add another unique competence to our know-how portfolio,” said Darius Šilenskis, CEO of KN Energies.
The underwater cable has been specifically designed for operation in a marine environment. Its delivery enables the project to move into one of the most important upcoming stages – cable installation.
Most of the underwater connection will be installed beneath the Curonian Lagoon. The cable, approximately 11 cm in diameter, will be laid along a route previously prepared using the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) method, reaching a depth of approximately 45 m in some sections. The remaining section of the underwater connection will extend to the LNG terminal jetty.
Installation of the underwater cable is expected to begin shortly and be completed in spring 2027. In parallel, an approximately 2.5-km onshore section of the cable, which was delivered to the construction site earlier, will also be installed. The total route of the onshore and underwater power connection will be approximately 6.5 km.
“We measure the cable’s length in kilometres, but the reliability of the connection starts with every single detail. Our job is to ensure that the complex engineering beneath the Curonian Lagoon provides a smooth and reliable electricity supply to the vessel,” added Aldas Rusevičius, CEO of AB Kauno tiltai.
Currently, the FSRU Independence generates the electricity required for its systems autonomously using onboard engines. Once the electrification project is completed, the vessel will be able to use electricity supplied from shore and generated from renewable energy sources. Preliminary calculations show that this will reduce the Klaipėda LNG terminal’s carbon dioxide emissions by approximately one-third.
Reducing emissions is one of KN Energies’ strategic priorities. The company aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieve climate-neutral operations by 2050.
The engineering and construction works for the shore power connection to the Klaipėda LNG terminal are being carried out by AB Kauno tiltai, which won the public procurement procedure. The contract signed between KN Energies and the contractor is valued at €19.3 million excluding VAT.
The project includes the installation of the power connection through the territory of Klaipėda city and beneath the Curonian Lagoon, as well as infrastructure required for onshore power supply onshore, at the LNG terminal jetty and on the FSRU Independence itself. The project has been allocated €6 million in funding from the EU’s Modernisation Fund.
The Klaipėda LNG terminal electrification project is scheduled to be completed by May 2028.
