A year with PERS: a strategic step toward a greener port

Last year, the Port of Klaipėda became the first port in the Baltic States to receive an international environmental management certificate. This recognition encouraged the Port to actively implement sustainability measures – from reducing emissions to implementing new technologies.

“Sustainability at the Port of Klaipėda is not a short-term initiative – it is a direction we follow consistently and responsibly. After receiving the international PERS certificate last year, we committed not only to monitoring our environmental impact but also to advancing every year – reducing emissions, investing in green energy, and becoming an example for the entire Baltic region. The first year has shown that consistent work brings real results,” says Algis Latakas, Director General of the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.

Klaipėda Port became the first port among the Baltic States – and one of 36 ports in Europe – to receive the Port Environmental Review System (PERS) certificate last year. This international recognition was granted for two years. Next year, the Klaipėda Port Authority will seek re-certification under PERS.

After receiving the PERS certificate, the Port Authority committed to long-term sustainable development and active efforts to reduce its environmental impact. In the very first year, progress was monitored through 34 indicators, ranging from greenhouse gas emissions, CO₂ released during vessel movements and cargo operations, and energy consumption, to environmental incidents. The wide range of indicators used to evaluate the organization’s performance.

Located next to residential areas, the Port of Klaipėda pays special attention to air quality control and pollution management – continuous environmental monitoring is carried out. Currently, sensors measure noise levels and other parameters at seven locations across the port. Next year, a certified air-quality monitoring system is planned to be installed, ensuring not only data accuracy but also integration into a broader monitoring network.

To achieve its green transformation goals, the Port of Klaipėda focuses strongly on energy transition, sustainable initiatives and socially responsible operations. One of the port’s most important and advanced projects is green hydrogen production. The project is now approaching its final stage, and the production of green hydrogen is planned to start at the Port of Klaipėda next spring. To reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in the port, shore-side electricity supply equipment is already being installed at port terminals.

Another important step in the Port’s green transformation is the renewal of the Port Authority’s fleet with environmentally friendly vessels. Construction is nearing completion of a green-hydrogen-powered waste collection vessel, which will operate in the port next year. Two hybrid pilot boats are also being built to replace the current fossil-fuel-powered vessels.