Each of the two new hybrid pilot boats, contracted from Estonia’s “Baltic Workboats AS,” will assist ships entering and leaving Klaipėda Port in a year and a half.
“At the end of next year, a hydrogen-powered waste collection vessel and two new-style
hybrid pilot boats will be sailing in the Klaipėda Port Channel. Klaipėda Port is undergoing
renewal and modernization while taking a comprehensive approach to environmental
improvement within the port”, stated Algis Latakas, director general of the Klaipėda Port
Authority.
Moreover, these vessels will operate continuously, capable of functioning in adverse weather conditions, including seas with waves up to 5 meters high and wind up to 30 m/s. They will feature search and rescue equipment such as an onboard crane, a rescue platform, and searchlights equipped with integrated thermal cameras.
“It is worth pointing out that pilot boats will use only electricity to move around the port.
However, if more speed is needed, especially when sailing out to sea, beyond the port gates, the engines will switch to diesel. This will reduce emissions at Klaipeda Port,” stated Gintaras Petreikis, fleet manager at Klaipeda State Sea Port Authority.
The boats will utilize diesel-electric propulsion and will have access to electric charging stations located at the Port Authority’s new fleet base and near the company’s upcoming administration building.
Construction of the pilot boats will take place at the “Baltic Workboats AS” shipyard on Saaremaa Island, Estonia, with an expected arrival at Klaipėda Port by late 2025. Each boat is priced at US$3.5 million before VAT.
