PARTNERS

EU FUNDED PROJECT ON PORT DECARBONISATION
AND DIGITALISATION, IN WHICH MEMBERS FROM
ACADEMIA, INDUSTRY AND POLICY, COLLABORATE
WITH THE AIM TOWARDS GREENING PORT
OPERATIONS AND INITIATE STRATEGIC CHANGE

Hochschule Wismar, University of Applied Sciences (DE)

Hochschule Wismar, University of Applied Sciences (HSW) builds upon interdisciplinary and practice-oriented concept integrating three disciplines of Technology, Business and Design under one roof. Due to cross-linkage of key competences in teaching, research and innovation HSW acts as a cut surface between theory and practice. The university of applied sciences is experienced not only in the field of education, science and research, but also as knowledge transfer institution. It is an entrepreneurial university. Important for the expertise setting up is close cooperation with regional technology and industrial centres providing a critical tool for regional business growth and attraction. Acting as an integrative part of Technology and Industrial Centre in Wismar and Schwerin, HSW cooperates with the Technology Centre based SMEs from the maritime sector or maritime networks. Wismar and the surroundings represent a rural peripheral region within the Baltic Sea. Therefore, accessibility to other regions in Europe as well as knowledge and information flows are rather slower than in huge agglomeration areas. As a result, DigiTechPort2030 project enables not only to pave the way for amore sustainable transition in port ecosystems and the region in Mecklenburg-Pomerania, but also to overcome borders and boundaries in terms of knowledge and capacity gaps. 

Klaipeda Science and Technology Park (LT)

Hochschule Wismar, University of Applied Sciences (HSW) builds upon interdisciplinary and practice-oriented concept integrating three disciplines of Technology, Business and Design under one roof. Due to cross-linkage of key competences in teaching, research and innovation HSW acts as a cut surface between theory and practice. The university of applied sciences is experienced not only in the field of education, science and research, but also as knowledge transfer institution. It is an entrepreneurial university. Important for the expertise setting up is close cooperation with regional technology and industrial centres providing a critical tool for regional business growth and attraction. Acting as an integrative part of Technology and Industrial Centre in Wismar and Schwerin, HSW cooperates with the Technology Centre based SMEs from the maritime sector or maritime networks. Wismar and the surroundings represent a rural peripheral region within the Baltic Sea. Therefore, accessibility to other regions in Europe as well as knowledge and information flows are rather slower than in huge agglomeration areas. As a result, DigiTechPort2030 project enables not only to pave the way for amore sustainable transition in port ecosystems and the region in Mecklenburg-Pomerania, but also to overcome borders and boundaries in terms of knowledge and capacity gaps. 

Motus Foundation (PL)

Motus is a non-profit organization helping transport & logistics and all the related sectors in running their business and becoming more sustainable.
 We conduct research, organise seminars and conferences, deliver opinions, actively participate in projects, and support the legislative process which is in line with our agenda. The scope of our work focuses on the promotion of knowledge in the areas of transport, logistics, energy, and environment, and supporting the development of innovative, environmentally-friendly technologies and solutions for efficient use of natural resources in energy production.
Moreover, we are advocating management systems to reduce the impact of economic activity on the environment, in particular in the areas of transport and energy, both in the private and public sectors.
Within the DigiTechPort 2030 project, Motus will be mainly tasked with activities related to the dissemination and communication of outcomes developed by other partners as well as increasing the project’s exposure towards stakeholders both from within and outside the maritime industry.

Blekinge Institute of Technology (SE)

The Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH), ranked sixth globally in Software Engineering, is a key partner in the “DigiTechPort2030” project. Funded by the EU Interreg South Baltic Programme 2021-2027, this initiative aims to help smaller ports in the South Baltic Sea Region meet future environmental and emission regulations set by the European Commission, the EU Green Deal, and IMO Fit for 55. Assistant Professor Lawrence Henesey, with 33 years of maritime experience and over 120 publications, leads BTH’s involvement.
BTH addresses the urgent need for decarbonisation in maritime and port operations, particularly for smaller ports facing challenges in complying with regulations by 2025, 2030, and 2050. As the work package leader, BTH oversees the project, which is divided into three phases: Preparation, Piloting, and Capitalisation.
Central to the project are decarbonisation demonstration pilots developed through cross-border cooperation. These pilots will integrate advanced digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Handling, Blockchain, and Augmented Reality into port energy systems. The goal is to significantly reduce emissions and improve the environmental footprint of maritime transport and port operations.
By promoting these technologies, BTH aims to enhance the readiness and strategic positioning of small and medium-sized ports (SMSPs) in the South Baltic Sea Area, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental targets and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the region’s maritime sector.The Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH), ranked sixth globally in Software Engineering, is a key partner in the “DigiTechPort2030” project. Funded by the EU Interreg South Baltic Programme 2021-2027, this initiative aims to help smaller ports in the South Baltic Sea Region meet future environmental and emission regulations set by the European Commission, the EU Green Deal, and IMO Fit for 55. Assistant Professor Lawrence Henesey, with 33 years of maritime experience and over 120 publications, leads BTH’s involvement.
BTH addresses the urgent need for decarbonisation in maritime and port operations, particularly for smaller ports facing challenges in complying with regulations by 2025, 2030, and 2050. As the work package leader, BTH oversees the project, which is divided into three phases: Preparation, Piloting, and Capitalisation.
Central to the project are decarbonisation demonstration pilots developed through cross-border cooperation. These pilots will integrate advanced digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Handling, Blockchain, and Augmented Reality into port energy systems. The goal is to significantly reduce emissions and improve the environmental footprint of maritime transport and port operations.
By promoting these technologies, BTH aims to enhance the readiness and strategic positioning of small and medium-sized ports (SMSPs) in the South Baltic Sea Area, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental targets and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the region’s maritime sector.

Maritime University of Szczecin (PL)

Maritime University of Szczecin  (MUS) is a university with 5 faculties. Two of them: navigation and marine engineering are purely sea oriented and prepare members of vessel crew. The next three economics and transport engineering, mechatronics and electrical engineering, computer science and telecommunications are shore and sea combinations including competencies which are necessary for all jobs servicing vessels, ports and cargoes.
Between 2000 and 2020, MUS participated in 84 projects, both European and national. Within these projects, MUS gained 113.8 million PLN and 4.2 millions euro. Currently, the university carries out 17 projects worth 46 million PLN and almost 700 thousand euro.
In this project MUS together with partners from Baltic Sea countries trying to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutions by decarbonization and digitalization of all activities related to ports and sea transport. Especially the university is responsible for preparing questionnaires and gathering data from stakeholders. Analysis of collected data are going to be a base for developing guidelines and interactive tools for enterprises from the maritime sector.

Elblag Sea Port Authority Ltd. (PL)

The Elbląg Sea Port, an important maritime hub in the Warmia-Masuria region, is rapidly evolving to enhance its role on the Baltic Sea. Actively involved in various EU projects, the port optimises processes, decarbonises, and reduces its carbon footprint. These efforts are improving its environmental impact and operational efficiency, helping strengthen its position as a vital logistics hub.
 The recent construction of the channel through the Vistula Spit, alongside improvements to the waterway connecting the sea to the port, will enable Elbląg to reach its full potential of 1.5 million tons of cargo annually. This development opens new opportunities for trade and transit in the Baltic region.

Klaipeda State Seaport Authority (LT)

Klaipėda State Seaport Authority is a public limited liability company responsible for managing, developing, and modernising Lithuania’s largest port, Klaipėda. Positioned on the eastern Baltic Sea coast, Klaipėda Port is a multi-purpose deep-water port that provides comprehensive maritime services, including stevedoring, shipbuilding, ship repair, logistics, and cargo forwarding. The port, handling up to 75 million tons of cargo annually, operates 33 specialized terminals and maintains trade relations with 65 countries
In the DigiTechPort2030 project, Klaipėda State Seaport Authority actively participates in the joint piloting of the “Energy Twin” initiative. This pilot project focuses on integrating renewable energy sources within the port’s digital infrastructure to improve environmental management and operational efficiency. The Authority contributes by sharing its expertise in port transitions, facilitating knowledge exchange, and helping to align the project with the EU’s Fit for 55 targets.

Euro-Terminal Sp. z o. o. (PL)

Euro Terminal is a multipurpose terminal with dedicated handling and storage facilities for a wide range of cargo. We are a major hub for refrigerated cargo. We have also developed into a hub for wind turbine components, forest products, breakbulk cargo and various project cargo with ample warehousing and open storage. The newest investment is the outstanding 37-meter-wide RO-RO ramp with 700t capacity.  

Our mission is to provide the most cost-effective and reliable stevedoring services in the region. We achieve this by working closely with our customers and gearing our services to their exact requirements. We continue to invest in modern and environmentally friendly equipment (photovoltaic panels) to ensure that our port operations are state-of-the-art. This, combined with an experienced management team, allows us to maintain a very high level of customer service.

Euro Terminal and partners from South Baltic Sea region are attempting to lower greenhouse gas emissions as well as other pollution by decarbonizing and digitizing port and maritime transportation-related operations. In particular, Euro Terminal is going to purchase a new equipment – a forklift truck which will be fully electric. Ship unloading systems in small and medium sized ports must convert fuel-powered vehicles to electrified ones.