The Port of Klaipėda has launched Rasa, the world’s first waste collection vessel powered by a combination of green hydrogen and electricity, the Port said in a statement released on 18 June.
Rasa is designed to collect ship-generated waste, bilge water, and sludge from vessels operating in the port. It runs with zero emissions, producing only water vapour, and is equipped with advanced storage tanks and treatment systems so that processed water can be safely transferred to municipal facilities.
The vessel is powered by green hydrogen produced locally in Klaipėda, linking it directly to Lithuania’s emerging hydrogen energy infrastructure.
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
… said Lithuanian Minister transport and communications, Juras Taminskas.
The project is also a major example of Lithuanian–Estonian industrial cooperation. The hull and part of the equipment were built in Klaipėda, while final outfitting, system integration, and testing were completed in Estonia.
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
… commented Algis Latakas, Director General of the Klaipėda Port Authority, with Arnoldas Šileika, CEO of the Western Shipyard Group, adding that Rasa is much more than an addition to Klaipėda Port’s fleet. It is an innovative project that demonstrates the ability of our countries, the port, and the maritime engineering industries of Lithuania and Estonia to work together towards a common goal – creating an advanced, competitive and sustainable maritime future.
Companies from both countries contributed, including shipbuilders, engineers, and technology providers responsible for hydrogen fuel cells, electrical systems, and propulsion.
As is often the case with new and innovative designs, the project brought its share of challenges, but the excellent cooperation with the customer, partners, equipment suppliers, and the classification society once again proved that Baltic Workboats is capable of executing demanding and technically challenging projects to the highest standards
… noted Margus Vanaselja, CEO of the Baltic Workboats.
Meanwhile, Rebecca Sharp, CEO and Co-Founder of Genevos, commented that Rasa sets a powerful example for ports and vessel operators worldwide, showing how clean technologies can be deployed today to reduce emissions while maintaining the reliability and performance required at sea.
Beyond its environmental role, it is seen as part of a broader push to strengthen the regional hydrogen economy and maritime innovation.
The vessel represents a €12 million investment and is intended as a model for future clean port service vessels worldwide.
Rasa was officially named during a ceremony attended by the First Ladies of Lithuania and Estonia, highlighting the project’s symbolic and political significance as well as its technological ambition.
Diana Nausėdienė, First Lady of Lithuania, stated that the vessel Rasa symbolizes purity and harmony from Lithuanian tradition and highlighted its environmentally friendly mission of cleaning the Port of Klaipėda while producing only water vapour. In addition, Sirje Karis, First Lady of Estonia, noted it represents Estonia–Lithuania cooperation, sustainability, and a shared commitment to innovation and care for nature, describing it as a symbol of renewal and stronger Baltic ties.
To remind, in a relevant hydrogen shipping milestone, last year IMI announced that it would supply a PEM electrolyser for a new hydrogen refuelling station at the Port of Klaipėda in Lithuania, a project aimed at making the port the first in the Baltic region to produce green hydrogen on-site.
