Lithuania’s maritime industry is taking a bold step to become one of the few worldwide to construct a hydrogen fuel ship capable of zero-emission operation.
Promising Technology for a Greener Shipping Sector
Hydrogen fuel cell technology holds immense promise for decarbonizing the shipping industry. However, despite its potential, only a select few have embraced this innovation by building hydrogen-powered vessels.
Lithuania’s inaugural hydrogen-powered vessel is already under construction at Western Baltija Shipbuilding (WBS), marked by a keel-laying ceremony.
Waste Management Vessel for Klaipeda Harbor
Commissioned by the Klaipeda State Seaport Authority, this vessel will serve waste management purposes within the harbor, acting as a testbed and a step towards a cleaner maritime future.
Marius Skuodis, Lithuania’s Minister of Transport and Communications, expressed his pride in this modern, environmentally friendly vessel being built in Klaipeda, emphasizing its relevance both nationally and globally.
Keel Laying Ceremony Marks a Milestone
The keel-laying ceremony, a symbolic event marking the start of shipbuilding, represented the completion of the vessel’s first critical block. A steel plate adorned with three coins was attached to the block to commemorate the occasion.
Upon completion, this waste management tanker will be 42 meters long and 10 meters wide, with a capacity of 400 cubic meters. Two electric motors, each powered by 2,000 kWh batteries and supported by an onboard hydrogen fuel cell system, will propel the vessel.
Operational Range and Refueling
The vessel’s operational range on a full hydrogen tank will vary depending on work intensity, with an estimated average of up to 36 hours within the Port of Klaipeda.