An environmentally and human-friendly Klaipėda port: from vision to action

Just a few years ago by adopting a green port concept Klaipėda Port has set the ambitious goal of becoming one of the most advanced and sustainable ports in Europe. What was once a vision is becoming a reality today. After three years of focused efforts, Klaipėda Port can confidently call itself a leader in green transformation in the Baltic Sea region. The projects are not only reducing the environmental impact, but also shaping the path towards a cleaner future for the port.

"Klaipėda Port has long been more than just a stop for vessels and cargoes - we are actively investing in green technologies and sustainable solutions that not only reduce our environmental impact, but also create new business opportunities. Sustainability is not an option today - it is the way of our future, and we are boldly embarking on it", says Algis Latakas, CEO of Klaipėda Port Authority.

Klaipėda Port is the first port in the Baltic States and one of the 36 ports in Europe certified under the Port Environmental Review System (PERS). The only environmental standard for seaports obliges them to pursue long-term sustainable development and actively reduce their environmental impact. The award of this certificate to Klaipėda Port is both further proof that port is taking firm steps on our sustainability journey and international support.

According to the Port Environmental Review System (PERS) certificate issued to Klaipėda Port in April of the last year, the Port has committed to detailed monitoring of emissions from vessels, machinery and transport. The software of the Finnish company Gisgro calculates emissions from ships, machinery and transport in Klaipėda Port and measures greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using a variety of systems and data according to the European Environment Agency's accounting methodology.

According to the conclusions of scientists who assessed the impact of Klaipėda Port last year, the electricity supply infrastructure in quays would make a significant contribution to reducing emissions. Right now, the infrastructure is being prepared in Klaipėda Port, equipment is being assembled in Estonia, and the first four shore-side electricity stations for the DFDS Seaways and TT-Line ferries sailing to Klaipėda Port will be operational next year. The electrification of quays is also planned for those quays where container ships and cruise liners, as well as Klaipėda Port fleet, are moored. The entire project to electrify the port quays is expected to be completed in 2028.

According to the researchers, a switch to hydrogen and other alternative fuels could bring us closer to zero emissions. The Klaipėda Port Authority has decided to renew its fleet by building two hybrid pilot boats and the country's first green hydrogen-powered ship, which will collect waste from other vessels entering the port, in order to reduce the impact of its operations. All of them should be operational in Klaipėda Port by the end of the year.

The green hydrogen will be supplied to the waste collection vessel by the port's first green hydrogen production and supply project in the Baltic States. The rest of the green hydrogen produced will be used to refuel other vehicles - vessels, railways and land road vehicles. Green hydrogen will also be available to refuel private cars.

The fact that Klaipėda Port is one of the most progressive and active European seaports in the field of environmental protection is demonstrated by the decision of the Singaporean shipping company X-Press Feeders last year to include Klaipėda Port in the shipping route of its green methanol-powered container ships. The port is also regularly visited by a CMA CGM LNG-fuelled container ship and a TT-line LNG-fuelled ferry.

Handling, shipbuilding and ship repair companies operating in the port are also actively applying environmentally friendly solutions in their daily operations. Earlier this year, the Klaipėda Port Authority presented awards to the companies that made the most significant steps towards sustainability last year. Klaipėda Container Terminal last year invested almost EUR 22 million in modern cargo handling equipment and fully automated the flow management of container trucks and completed the first project of this scale in the Port of Klaipėda. In the past year, UAB Malkų įlankos terminalas invested in a sustainable cement transport solution and purchased 16 new tank containers. Transporting cement containers by rail is a real step towards sustainability, which contributes to reducing road congestion by reducing the number of heavy road vehicles. This method of transporting cement will ensure uninterrupted delivery of cargo to Heidelberg Materials Lietuva Cementas, a long-term partner, from the Malkų Įlankos Terminal to the intermodal terminals in Kaunas and Vilnius. Nordnix, the company that handles cold and dry storage services, logistics and handling operations at the port, is implementing a project that uses the heat generated by the refrigeration process for heating.