Meridianas (derived from the Latin word for 'meridian') is a three-masted wooden barkentine permanently moored in the Danė River, standing as one of the most iconic symbols of Klaipėda, Lithuania.
History and Maritime Service:
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Construction (1948): Built in 1948 in Turku, Finland, the vessel was part of a series of wooden sailing ships delivered by Finland to the Soviet Union as war reparations following World War II.
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Port of Riga (1954): In 1954, "Meridianas" was assigned to the Baltic fleet of training vessels, which united all Soviet fishery training ships in the region. Its designated home port became Riga.
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Role as a Training Ship: For two decades, the ship served as a training platform for students of the Klaipėda Nautical School and other regional academies. During its service, it weathered significant maritime challenges, including a severe storm off Gotland in the summer of 1956 and dense ice fields later that autumn.
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Decommissioning (1968): In 1968, "Meridianas" was removed from the official register of active training vessels, and the tugboat "Kagul" towed the barkentine back to Klaipėda.
Key Milestones and Revival:
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Iconic Floating Restaurant (1971): In 1971, a prestigious and widely popular restaurant opened on board the vessel.
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Restoration Phase (2001–2002): On the night of April 12, 2001, the ship was towed to the "Klaipėdos laivų remontas" dock for essential overhaul work. It returned to its historic spot in the spring of 2002, boasting freshly restored white hull sides just in time for Klaipėda’s 750th anniversary celebrations.
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Salvage Operation (2012): Due to severe deterioration over time, local Klaipėda entrepreneurs stepped in during 2012 to save the ship from complete decay. A support foundation was established, and over the course of two years, the barkentine was extensively rebuilt and refitted.
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Grand Reopening (2014): By Christmas 2014, the fully restored landmark officially opened its doors to the public once again.
Architecture and Present Status:
Today, "Meridianas" functions as a modern restaurant while honoring its heritage. The main dining hall features a glass floor revealing the original preserved wooden structures beneath. Raising the ship's white sails has become a cherished annual ceremony marking the start of the summer season in Klaipėda.