In a ground breaking step for sustainable maritime innovation, the Port of Klaipėda announce the launch of Lithuania’s first-ever vessel powered by green hydrogen and electricity. Built with the utmost focus on environmental responsibility, the waste collection tanker leaves no trace on the environment and is designed to collect waste from other vessels arriving the port. This project with a total value of €12 million has been commissioned by the Port Authority and is being built by West Baltic Shipyard together with Baltic Workboats under a joint operating agreement.
“We have not only launched a tanker, but also a new approach to port operations – cleaner, smarter and more environmentally friendly. This first ever hydrogen and electricity-powered ship is not only an innovative technological solution, but also an important step in strengthening Lithuania’s image as a modern maritime nation. At the moment, the tanker is getting used to the seaport water, so to speak, and at the end of the year we expect it to start its important mission of taking care of the clean seaport environment. Such a decision will not leave a footprint on nature, but it will certainly leave a strong mark on our path to a greener future”, – says Algis Latakas, Director General of Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.
In June last year, a symbolic keel-laying ceremony at the West Baltic Shipyard of the West Baltic Shipyard Group marked the start of the vessel’s construction. To date, the hull has been fabricated and painted, with piping, valves, coolers, shaft lines, rudder feathers, heat and fire insulation installed.
“We are proud that the portfolio of green ships being designed and built in Klaipėda has been expanded with a unique Lithuanian project. It is a testimony to the successful development of a green shipping ecosystem, with close cooperation between our port and the maritime engineering industry, which has the necessary competences and technological capabilities. By creating high added value, we contribute to the implementation of sustainability goals and strengthen the public confidence that innovative solutions that reduce emissions and ensure a clean environment are the future of Klaipėda and Lithuania”, – emphasised Arnoldas Šileika, CEO of the VLG Group.
Once the tanker is moved into the water, the engine room equipment will be installed, the interior of the wheelhouse will be redecorated, the electrical wiring and the main electrical engines will be installed, the hydrogen system will be installed and other work necessary for the operation of the ship will be carried out.
According to the current rules, vessels are obliged to hand over the waste they produce when they arrive and before they leave Klaipėda Port. The Seaport Authority was entrusted with the collection of the waste, and the company decided to use modern and environmentally friendly equipment to further improve the quality of the ship waste collection service.
The tanker’s main function is to collect storm water, sewage, sludge and garbage, as well as to ensure efficient waste management. The ship will be equipped with special tanks and a modern rainwater treatment plant that will allow the treated water to be transferred to the city’s sewage treatment plants. The tanker will be ready to work around the clock and collect up to 400 cubic metres of liquid waste.
The tanker is 42 metres long and 10 metres wide. The ship’s power system will consist of two electric motors powered by 2,000 kWh batteries and an innovative hydrogen fuel cell system. Depending on the intensity of the work, the tanker will be able to operate in the port of Klaipėda for up to 36 hours without additional power charging.
