Lithuania’s 1st Green Hydrogen & Electricity Powered Ship Hits The Waters

Lithuania’s first green hydrogen ship powered by electricity has been commissioned by the Klaipeda State Seaport Authority and was moved from the shipyard facility into the waters.

The construction will progress to the next phase which would include the installation of engine room equipment, electrical wiring, main electrical engines, hydrogen system and other essential works.

The 42 m long and 10 m wide tanker will have 2 electric motors driven by 2000 kWh batteries and a hydrogen fuel cell system. The ship is estimated to operate in the Klaipeda Port for 36 hours without requiring power charging.

Its main task would be collecting storm water, garbage, sludge and sewage and ensuring waste management. To fulfil its role, the vessel will have special tanks and a rainwater treatment plant.

Ships arriving and leaving the port would be obliged to hand over their waste to the ship.

Algis Latakas, Director General of Klaipėda State Seaport Authority, said that this is an innovative solution which would cement Lithuania’s image as a modern maritime nation.

He added that the tanker could start operating by this year’s end, paving the way for a greener future and a clean seaport environment.

This project cost €12 million and was undertaken by the Port Authority. The ship is being constructed by West Baltic Shipyard along with Baltic Workboats.

Its keel-laying ceremony was held on June 21, 2024, and till now, the hull has been fabricated, and painted and all pipes, coolers, rudder feathers, and insulation systems have been equipped.

References: Offshore Energy, Sagar Sandesh