While creating and enhancing the image of Klaipėda as a port city fostering long - time maritime traditions the Port Authority and SC Western Shipyard implemented the idea proposed by Lithuanian marine journalists' club “Marinus“ – erected the monument to the departed Lithuanian seafarers and sunken ships. The symbol of the monument is the bird of courage and freedom albatross . The 10 m tall sculptural composition made of metal sheets towered on Smiltynė coast nearby the Lithuanian Maritime Museum. Carved in granite slabs are the names and family names of Lithuanian seafarers, fishermen and yachtsmen who went to sea and did not return and the names of sunken ships. The monument well-coming vessels arriving to the port of Klaipeda is perfectly visible due to its particular impressive lighting. In future certain spaces for mass events will appear nearby the monument.
From idea to the monument
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.
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
