World’s First Waste Collection Vessel Launched At Port Of Klaipeda

The world’s first waste collection ship was recently launched at the Port of Klaipeda. Named Rasa, the 42 m long ship can run on green hydrogen and electricity.

The vessel can collect 400 m3 of liquid waste, bilge water and sludge generated by ships operating in the port.

It does not produce any harmful emissions and has storage tanks and treatment systems, allowing processed water to be transferred to nearby municipal facilities.

Rasa is also equipped with two Genevos 40kW hydrogen fuel cells, an EST-Floattech 2MWh battery storage system, and a Danfoss Editron electric propulsion setup.

It can also run on electricity alone for more than 10 hours continuously, emitting only water vapour.

The sustainable vessel was built through a joint venture between Lithuania and Estonia.

Rasa plays a vital role by ensuring that ships clear out their hazardous wastewater and sludge before leaving the Baltic Sea.

This procedure decreases the carbon footprint of the port’s operations and the ships arriving at the facility.

Moreover, Rasa’s green hydrogen is also locally produced in Klaipeda, connecting it to Lithuania’s hydrogen energy infrastructure.

The ship’s hull and onboard equipment were built in Klaipeda, but the final outfitting, system integration and testing were carried out in Estonia.

Apart from its environmental role, the world’s first waste collection vessel at Klaipeda is part of a major effort to strengthen the regional hydrogen economy and propel maritime innovation.

The ship was built after a €12 million investment and will serve as a model for future clean port service vessels.

It was officially named in an event attended by the First Ladies of Lithuania and Estonia.

Diana Nausėdienė, First Lady of Lithuania, stated that the Rasa symbolises purity and harmony from Lithuanian tradition.

Sirje Karis, First Lady of Estonia, said that the vessel showcases Estonian–Lithuanian cooperation and shared commitment to innovation and is a symbol of stronger Baltic ties

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