Lithuania Begins Construction Of Its First Hydrogen-Electric Powered Ship

The Lithuanian shipping industry commemorates a historic milestone with the beginning of construction of the country’s first hydrogen-electric powered ship.

The Klaipeda State Seaport Authority commissioned the Western Baltija Shipbuilding (WBS) to build a waste management vessel.

The ground-breaking project reflects Lithuania’s dedication to reducing environmental impact and boosting maritime innovation.

Lithuania’s Minister of Transport and Communications, Marius Skuodis, praised the project, stating that he is glad that such an advanced vessel meeting the highest standards of environmental requirements is now being built in Klaipeda, which is incredibly relevant and significant not only in Lithuania but also on a global scale.

Skuodis further emphasized the project’s ability to move the Lithuanian shipping industry forward and set a global standard for maritime innovation.

The Klaipeda State Seaport Authority aims to improve waste collection services for ships and adhere to regulations mandating that all vessels dispose of waste at port facilities.

Algis Latakas, Director General of the Port Authority, emphasised the project’s ambition, stating that the company wants to be the first in Lithuania to produce green hydrogen and operate a hydrogen-powered ship.

The new tanker will collect waste from other ships without leaving any environmental footprint.

The ceremonial keel-laying ceremony marks the official beginning of the ship’s construction.

A special plate featuring the names of all parties involved is attached between the first block’s structures.

The ship is being built in collaboration with Baltic Workboats of Estonia, Klaipeda State Seaport Authority and the Western Baltija Shipbuilding.

Western Shipyard Group CEO Arnoldas Sileika commended the project as a twofold achievement for Lithuania and a testament to strong Baltic cooperation.

Sileika highlighted the additional value and honor of building such an advanced ship for Lithuania.

Keel-laying ceremony — Image Credits: Port of Klaipeda/Facebook

The ship will be constructed at Western Baltija Shipbuilding in Klaipeda, with Baltic Workboats installing the main and auxiliary machinery and the hydrogen fuel cell system.

Baltic Workboats Management Board Member Juri Taal praised the collaboration and expressed confidence in the vessel’s advanced and environmentally friendly addition to the Port of Klaipeda fleet.

The ship, designed to operate 24 hours a day, will handle oily bilge water, sludge, sewage, and other trash before transferring treated waste to the city’s onshore facilities.

The tanker, measuring 42 meters in length and 10 meters in breadth, will be powered by two electric motors and a hydrogen fuel cell system and can gather 400 cubic meters of liquid waste.

With a total project value of €12 million, the ship is scheduled to start operations in the Port of Klaipeda by the end of next year, setting a new standard in sustainable maritime practices.

Reference: Port of Klaipeda

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