The Lithuanian Ministry of Transport and Communications has launched the market consultation phase of the Marvele cargo port public private partnership (PPP) project.

The Marvele cargo port, located on the River Nemunas in Kaunas, will be a key component of the Lithuanian government's strategy to reduce road freight, thus improving air quality and reducing congestion. Before the 1990s, over 1.5 million tons of freight were transported annually via the Nemunas. Therefore, a potential turnover of 1 million tons per year is expected for the cargo port.

The project is being completed in two stages. The first stage, due to be completed by July 2015, is a traditional procurement project funded by the EU and the State. Stage two will be developed though a PPP project. Capital investment in the project is €11 million, and public funds have already been allocated to maintain access roads to the port and to ensure the stated fairway depth of the Nemunas is maintained.

According to Mr Tadas Jagminas, Director of the Project Management Department of Invest Lithuania, an invitation to tender is expected to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) on 1 June 2015. And Mr Jagminas is confident that interest in the project will be high. He stated:

"Marvele cargo port is an exceptional project. Therefore, we anticipate active participation in the market consultation as well as a successful tender in the future".

Interested parties are invited to express their interest and provide feedback until May 8.

See consultation phase announcement: