Lithuania’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered vessel launched

A hydrogen fuel cell-powered and electric liquid waste collection vessel has been launched for the Port of Klaipéda in Lithuania.

Built by Baltic Workboats Ltd and Western Baltija Shipbuilding, the 42-m long by 10-m wide tanker has a capacity of 400 m³ and will be delivered at the end of 2025. It will be deployed to collect waste from ships calling at the port.

The tanker is “Lithuania’s first hydrogen-powered and electric vessel,” and will be powered by “2,000 kWh of batteries, and an innovative hydrogen fuel-cell system that will enable up to 36 hours of continuous operation in port waters,” according to a social media post by Western Baltija Shipbuilding.

Baltic Workboats is tasked with designing and installing the vessel’s electric propulsion and control system, battery packs, power management system, and navigation and automation systems, as well as outfitting its accommodation spaces.

The zero-emissions vessel is being constructed at a cost of €11.7M (US$12.3M) with support from EU’s European Regional Development Fund.