RESULTS
Green Energy Study Visits
As part of our DigiTechPort2030 project, we are actively organizing a series of international study visits under Work Package 2, Activity 2.2. These visits are a vital method of practical knowledge gathering, enabling partners and stakeholders to witness firsthand the implementation of green energy and digitalization strategies in ports.
So far, we’ve successfully launched study visits to key locations including Singapore (April 2024), Klaipeda (September 2024), Rostock (December 2024), Gdynia (March 2025), and Karlshamn (May 2025). Each destination offers unique insights into the challenges and innovations around decarbonization, sustainability, and digital transformation in small and medium-sized ports.
These visits not only support evidence-based learning and policy development but also foster collaboration opportunities and new project ideas in the green energy transition. We are also preparing for our upcoming visit to Los Angeles, USA, to expand our network and gather global perspectives.
MAIN TARGET GROUPS
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WHO’S INVOLVED?
The project involves eight partners from Germany, Lithuania, Sweden and Poland and a range of associated partners from the aforementioned countries. The project is led by Hochschule Wismar, University of Applied Sciences.
Project partners
- Hochschule Wismar, University of
Applied Sciences (DE)
- Klaipeda Science and
Technology Park (LT) - Motus Foundation (PL)
- Blekinge Institute of Technology (SE)
- Maritime University of Szczecin (PL)
- Elblag Sea Port Authority Ltd. (PL)
- Klaipeda State Seaport Authority (LT)
- Euro-Terminal Sp. z o. o. (PL)
Associated partners
- IHK Schwerin
– Chamber of Commerce (DE) - Port of Stralsund (DE)
- Blue Science Park (SE)
- Association Lithuanian Maritime Cluster (LT)
- Yilport Holding – Nordic Terminals (SE)
- Baltic Ports Organization VAHLE (DE)
- Association of Polish Communes
Euroregion Baltic (PL) - Rostock Port GmbH (DE)
- Ystad Port (SE)
- Elblag Technology Park (PL)
- FundBroker GmbH (DE)
Date: 15th–19th April 2024
Location: Singapore, during Singapore Maritime Week 2024
The DigiTechPort2030 project partners undertook a study visit to Singapore in April 2024 as part of their ongoing work on port decarbonisation and digitalisation. Held during the prestigious Singapore Maritime Week 2024, which welcomed over 20,000 participants and nearly 50 events, the visit focused on innovation, sustainability, and strategic networking.
Key activities included attending two major conferences on decarbonisation and digitalisation, engaging with leading technologies such as alternative fuels, shore power, air lubrication systems, AI-driven logistics, and digital twin platforms. The delegation also explored practical applications of clean technologies and automation in maritime operations.
Meetings were held with stakeholders such as IMC Ventures and TCOMS, and the visit facilitated business dialogues—particularly between the Port of Klaipeda and Singaporean partners—on smart port development, trade facilitation, and green corridor initiatives.
The visit provided critical insights and international perspectives that will contribute to shaping the future technological and environmental solutions developed within the DigiTechPort2030 project.
Date: 3rd–5th September 2024
Location: Klaipeda, Lithuania
As part of the DigiTechPort2030 project, a study visit and partner workshop took place in Klaipeda, Lithuania, from 3rd to 5th September 2024. The visit gathered all direct project partners to reflect on the first year of the project, with a special focus on the green energy transition in small and medium-sized ports (SMSPs).
- Green energy capacity development
- Tools and methods for energy transition monitoring and reporting
- Visualization of energy transition processes
- Legal frameworks for green technology implementation
- Integration of digital tools like digital twins and simulation software
Date: 3rd–4th December 2024
Location: Rostock, Germany (Liebherr Maritime Cranes site)
As part of the DigiTechPort2030 project, a study visit to Liebherr’s site in Rostock took place in December 2024, offering project partners firsthand insight into the decarbonisation potential of modern port equipment. The visit included a guided tour of Rostock Port, presentations by Liebherr experts, and a detailed look at the production and operation of mobile harbor cranes.
A special focus was placed on electrification and emissions reduction technologies. Discussions explored the rising demand for electrified cranes and the economic and technical challenges involved in replacing diesel with green alternatives like e-fuels or electric power.
Partners also witnessed innovative machinery in action, including the fully electrified Liebherr LPS 420E, currently deployed in Rostock Port — a model showcasing future solutions for small and medium-sized ports.
This visit significantly supported DigiTechPort2030’s mission to develop a Green Energy Harmonisation Toolbox and roadmap for port decarbonisation, particularly targeting small and medium-sized ports that often lack resources for large-scale green investments.
Date: 18th-19th March 2025
Location: Gdynia, Poland (Gdynia Container Terminal (GCT))
The Gdynia Container Terminal (GCT) Study Visit, held during the Transport Week Conference 2025, provided DigiTechPort2030 project partners with a hands-on exploration of port equipment electrification and decarbonisation strategies. Hosted at the Pomeranian Science and Technology Park Gdynia, the visit featured a detailed presentation by Mikołaj Magielka from GCT, followed by a bus tour of the terminal’s operations.
The presentation highlighted GCT’s modernisation efforts, including the replacement of 500 kW diesel engines with power generators, installation of 15/0.4 kV transformers, and equipping cranes with 90 kW diesel auxiliary generators for emergencies. These upgrades have significantly reduced diesel consumption from 420,000 liters to 20,000 liters annually and cut CO2 emissions by approximately 1 million kg per year. The bus tour offered a firsthand look at the terminal’s day-to-day operations, showcasing practical applications of these green technologies.
The visit also included a joint presentation round with other Interreg South Baltic Programme projects, such as Blue Supply Chains and DeColnter, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange on sustainable port initiatives. This study visit underscored the importance of scalable green solutions for small and medium-sized ports, aligning with DigiTechPort2030’s mission to support decarbonisation in the South Baltic Area.
Date: 27th-28th May 2025
Location: Karlshamn, Sweden
The Port of Karlshamn Study Visit, held during the 4th DigiTechPort2030 partner meeting, showcased one of Sweden’s largest and deepest ports in the southeast, a vital logistics hub in the Baltic Sea region. Hosted by Caroline Säfström (CEO) and Pär Carlsson (Operations Manager/Marketing Manager) of KARLSHAMNS HAMN AB, the visit highlighted the port’s advanced digital infrastructure, decarbonisation initiatives, and multimodal capabilities. Managing six port areas with 3 km of quay and 750,000 m² of surface area, the port handles 8 million tonnes of cargo and 2,200 vessels annually, including HandySize, small PanaMax, and tankers up to 100,000 dwt.
The visit featured a pre-visit session outlining the port’s strategic vision as a green logistics hub, emphasizing electrified rail connectivity, biogas infrastructure, and digital twin technology. Key initiatives included electrified forklifts and cranes, solar panel installations, and plans for shore power connections to reduce emissions. The port’s 700-meter intermodal rail terminal and 500,000 m³ of liquid storage capacity support efficient cargo handling, particularly for timber, biofuels, and RoRo traffic. A bus tour provided insights into daily operations, showcasing the port’s unique “railway inside the warehouse” system and its role in projects like Nord Stream II and Blekinge Offshore wind turbines.
Discussions highlighted DigiTechPort2030’s contributions, including the Green Energy Harmonization Toolbox and EU regulation compliance roadmap, addressing challenges like e-fuel costs and grid capacity for small and medium-sized ports. The visit underscored Karlshamn’s leadership in sustainable port operations, reinforced by its crisis response capabilities, as demonstrated during the Marco Polo oil spill incident, and its alignment with EU Fit for 55 goals.
