The Port of Klaipėda has named Rasa, its hydrogen- and electric-powered waste collection vessel designed for zero-emission operations.
The 42-metre vessel is the first of its kind in the region and will collect ship-generated waste, bilge water and sludge. It forms part of the port’s wider shift towards cleaner operations and alternative fuels.
The ceremony was attended by Diana Nausėdienė, First Lady of Lithuania, and Sirje Karis, First Lady of Estonia, who served as godmothers.
Diana Nausėdienė, First Lady of Lithuania, said: “The name Rasa perfectly reflects the vessel’s most important characteristic – leaving no carbon footprint – and its noble mission: to help clean the waters of the Port of Klaipėda while emitting only water vapour, contributing to a better environment for the people of Klaipėda. I congratulate the Port of Klaipėda on Rasa”
READ: Port of Klaipėda plots €1bn expansion with EY Baltic deal
Juras Taminskas, Minister of Transport and Communications, said the project signals a wider shift in Lithuania’s transport sector: “Today in Klaipėda we are christening more than just a vessel – we are marking the beginning of a new era in transport. This is proof that Lithuania can be among the countries that not only follow global transport trends but help shape them.
“We are launching one of the world’s first hydrogen-powered vessels, and just a few weeks ago we opened Lithuania’s first hydrogen production and refuelling station here in Klaipėda. Together, these developments turn a new page in Lithuania’s story as a maritime nation.”
The vessel was developed through Lithuanian–Estonian collaboration, with Western Baltic Shipyard delivering hull construction and Baltic Workboats completing final outfitting, integration and testing in Estonia.
READ: NIB, Port of Klaipėda seal €111m port upgrade deal
Algis Latakas, Director General of the Klaipėda Port Authority, stated: “Rasa began as a bold vision to create cleaner shipping. This vessel is an inspiring story of how steel plates, innovative solutions and thousands of hours of work by professionals in Lithuania and Estonia turned an idea into reality, the world’s first tanker powered by green hydrogen and electricity.
“Rasa represents a significant shift in shipping, an investment in a cleaner future and a new approach to port operations, where cutting-edge technologies and environmental responsibility become part of everyday activities.”
Hydrogen fuel cell systems were supplied by Genevos, with Rebecca Sharp, CEO and Co-Founder of Genevos, noting the vessel’s operational significance for hydrogen adoption in maritime applications.
The €12 million ($13.7 million) vessel will operate on green hydrogen produced at Klaipėda Port, supporting the development of Lithuania’s emerging hydrogen value chain and broader maritime decarbonisation efforts.
For more information:
Port of Klaipėda – https://portofklaipeda.lt/en/main-page/
