In 1998, the depth of the port's fairway had dropped to 7.5-8.0 meters, which was not sufficient in order for the port to fully use the cargo throughput potential of the port terminals, and the 1997 project "Reconstruction of the Southern Pier of the Port of Liepaja" had ensured protection of the port basin from becoming congested. As a result, the strategic decision was made to carry out the total dredging of the fairway and basin in order to ensure the ability to service "HANDYSIZE" type bulk vessels in the Port of Liepaja.

Within the project, the port fairway was deepened until the 11.0 meter mark, and the Freeport area basin was deepened to 10.5 meters. The works were carried out by the Belgian company "Dredging International N.V.". The project was finalized in 1999.