The government approved the regulatory framework prepared by the Ministry of Transport (MoT) — the “Development of Dual-Use Public Infrastructure in Major Ports” implementation regulations, which set out the conditions for implementing the specific objective of the European Union Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027, “Developing resilient defense infrastructure to promote military mobility in the European Union,” and the use of the allocated investments.
The total planned funding is no less than EUR 25,088,344, including EUR 21,325,092 from the European Union Cohesion Fund and private funding of no less than EUR 3,763,252.
The adopted regulations provide conditions for funding and its use to establish dual-use public infrastructure in two Latvian ports — Liepāja and Ventspils by 31 December 2029. This infrastructure will serve both military and civil purposes while meeting modern security and mobility requirements.
In Liepāja Port, the plan includes reconstructing the berth to increase its load-bearing capacity and adapt it for servicing both military and commercial Ro-Ro vessels, increasing water depth to 12 meters, and enabling the servicing of ships up to 290 meters in length. The port’s navigation equipment will also be modernized to improve safety and continuity of navigation, and the infrastructure will be integrated in accordance with EU military mobility standards and NATO requirements.
In Ventspils Port, at least one of the strategically important bridges over the Venta River will be restored to ensure the movement of military and heavy transport. An independent power supply system for the beach radar will be established, significantly enhancing situational monitoring. Advanced detection systems will be implemented to identify air, surface, and underwater objects, and the port’s security service center will be modernized to strengthen 24/7 response capabilities.
Following the approval of the regulations, project submissions and the signing of contracts for the commencement of construction works will begin.
