The first hydrogen and electric powered ship in the country’s history
According to the current regulations, ships arriving at and departing from the Port of Klaipėda are required to hand over the waste generated on board. The Port Authority has been entrusted with ensuring this service. Aiming to increase the focus on waste collection from ships in the port, the company decided to enhance the quality of this service with modern and environmentally friendly equipment. Consequently, on June 28, 2023, a contract was signed with the builder who will design and construct the ship. The waste and garbage will be collected from the ships arriving at the Port of Klaipėda, transported, and delivered to shore-based treatment facilities.
The contract for the ship has been signed with Baltic Workboats AS, operating under a joint venture agreement with UAB Western Baltic Shipyard:
- JSC Western Baltic Shipyard located in the Port of Klaipėda is responsible for the hull with the superstructure and the wheelhouse, the installation of cargo systems and other works.
- The Estonian company Baltic Workboats AS is responsible for the installation of the main and auxiliary mechanisms, the alignment, and testing of all ship systems. The hydrogen fuel cell system will also be installed in Estonia.
The ship must be designed and built within two years (by June 2025), but due to the installation of the hydrogen equipment, the deadline has been extended to the end of October 2025. The total project value amounts to 12 million 91 thousand Euros.
TECHNICAL PARAMETERS OF THE TANKER
On June 21, 2024, a symbolic keel laying ceremony took place, marking the official start of the construction work for the modern waste collection tanker. This significant milestone was traditionally commemorated by attaching a special plaque, adorned with three coins, to the already completed first ship block structures. The plaque bears the names of the ship’s client – the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority, and the builders – the Estonian company Baltic Workboats and the Western Baltic Shipyard. The ceremony concluded with the signing of a protocol certifying that the keel was laid in accordance with all requirements. This document was signed by representatives of the builders and the ship classification society overseeing the entire construction process.
Moments from the keel laying ceremony:
HYBRID PILOT BOATS
In 2025, two electric and hydrogen-powered pilot boats will begin operating in the Klaipėda port waters.
