Duda was speaking ahead of a visit to Lithuania, where he is set to meet with the presidents of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The meeting coincides with a ceremony marking Lithuania’s official takeover of the Norwegian-owned floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), currently stationed in Klaipeda.
“This is a symbolic moment,” Duda told reporters before departing Warsaw. “The terminal ‘Independence’ is of paramount importance to the energy sovereignty of this part of Europe.” He added that the development reflects the spirit of regional cooperation championed by the Three Seas Initiative.
Duda highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects designed to strengthen connectivity and security, including the Rail Baltica railway linking Poland with Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and ultimately Finland, as well as the Via Baltica highway running from Poland through the Baltic states.
“On the Polish side, work on Rail Baltica and Via Baltica is basically complete,” Duda said. He noted that Via Baltica is already fully operational, aside from a remaining segment near Łomża in northeastern Poland, due for completion by spring 2025.
During talks with Baltic leaders, Duda said discussions would focus on the Three Seas Initiative, energy cooperation, joint investments, and the political situation in Georgia.
The “Independence” FSRU, built by South Korea’s Hyundai, has been operating in Klaipeda since 2014. With a capacity of around 170,000 cubic meters of liquefied natural gas, it has allowed Lithuania to reduce its reliance on Russian gas supplies. Until now, the vessel remained owned by a Norwegian shipping firm. Following Friday’s ceremony, Lithuania will officially become its owner.
By securing its own LNG terminal, Lithuania aims to further reinforce the region’s resilience against energy supply disruptions, while strengthening the broader network of European energy infrastructure.
(jh)
Source: PAP