When creating and developing the image of Klaipėda as a port city with long maritime traditions, the Port Authority and port companies plan to implement an idea proposed by journalists: club “Marinus“ – to build a monument to forgone Lithuanian seafarers and sunken ships. The symbol of the monument is the albatross - a bird of courage and freedom. The 10 m high sculptural composition of metal leaves will tower on Smiltynė coast near the Lithuanian Maritime Museum. Carved in granite leaves will be the names and surnames of Lithuanian seafarers, sailors and fishermen and their vessels who went to sea and did not return. Intentional lighting will highlight the monument for ships coming into the port. Nearby there will be special areas for organizing mass events.
Sculptor Klaudijus Pūdymas and architect Mindaugas Zabarauskas created the concept and model of the monument and prepared the technical project.
In December 5, 2008 the Decree of the Government of Lithuania No 1234 came into force and approved the construction of this monument.
In July 31, 2009 Klaipėda Municipality issued a permission (No 208/59-NS/09) to construct a monument to forgone Lithuanian seafarers and sunken ships.
In February 4, 2011 simplified open tender "Construction works of the object „Monument to perished Lithuanian seamen and sunken ships“ was announced in Annex "Informaciniai pranešimai" № 10 to the Official Gazette (“Valstybės žinios”); procurement number 100357.
On the 24th of May (Tuesday), 2011 the bipartite contract agreement on construction of the monument „Albatrosas“ was signed. SC „Latvijas tilti“ acting under the joint activity agreement with JSC „Deglas“ will construct the monument „Albatrosas“ for contractual price equal to 868 384,96 Lt. including VAT. The contract agreement shall be valid for the period of 4 months from the day it has been concluded.
On the 17th of October 2011 the symbol of freedom and courage the seabird albatross „spread his wings“ in Smiltynė. It is the monument to perished Lithuanian seamen and sunken ships. The implementation of the contract agreement on the erection of this monument has been still in the process, but everybody wishing has the opportunity to observe in the coast of Smiltynė nearby Lithuanian Maritime Museum the 10 metres high sculptural composition of metal plates dedicated to the memory of perished Lithuanian seamen and sunken ships. Pictures
In December 3, 2011 the monument to perished Lithuanian seamen and sunken ships „Albatrosas“ wasofficiallyunveiled. Pictures
