The Port of Klaipėda is the most important national transport hub. It connects the sea, land and railway routes, it serves as the gateway of the State of Lithuanian to the world. Klaipėda port is also a particularly important part of the Lithuanian economy, generating annual returns for every Lithuanian citizen and creating competitive conditions for business development. Continuous investment of the Port of Klaipėda Authority in development and modernisation of the port has brought it into the ranks of the most advanced and competitive ports. The Port of Klaipėda is directly connected with 70 countries worldwide. Klaipėda receives 6,000 ships each year, bringing in and out around 40 million tonnes of cargoes, and up to half a million tourists and passengers arrive to Lithuania by cruise and passenger ships.