German and Lithuanian ports working together

(Posted on 31/05/24)

Co-operation in the maritime industry between Lithuania and Germany continues to grow. This is one of the results of the German-Lithuanian Maritime Forum in Klaip?da. Marina Basso Michael, Regional Director Europe at Port of Hamburg Marketing, emphasised the special role of relations between Germany and Lithuania in these difficult geopolitical times: “As ports and shipping companies, we are facing very similar challenges. For example, there is a need to switch our economy to a more sustainable business model based on new technologies. As Europeans, we also need to stand together in the face of growing risks in an increasingly unstable world.”

Algis Latakas, Director General of the Klaip?da Port Authority, also confirmed that very close relations already exist between the two countries: “The bond between these two nations extends beyond the increasing cargo volumes of recent years and regular maritime services; it is fortified by numerous German companies that have sustained robust relationships with Lithuanian businesses for many years. These connections are further enriched by various collaborative projects and memorandums. The enduring nature of these relationships is exemplified by the DFDS ferry service operating between Klaip?da and Kiel for over three decades. The German-Lithuanian Maritime Forum, hosted in Klaip?da, further underscores the strategic nature of this partnership.“

The Port of Klaip?da features several shipping lines that bridge the ports of Klaip?da and Germany. In 2023, cargo flows to and from Germany accounted for more than 13 percent of the total Klaipeda port throughput, amounting to 4.4 million tons. Of this, roll-on/roll-off cargo constituted 2.4 million tons, containerized cargo 1.1 million tons, and agricultural products 0.3 million tons.

In 2022, the ports of Klaip?da and Hamburg entered into a cooperation memorandum, pledging to deepen port ties, exchange maritime infrastructure development experiences, and embark on joint ventures. In the same year, the Port of Klaip?da became a member of the Hamburg Marketing Association, gaining access to analytical data, market expert insights, and promotional opportunities in German and international markets.

In 2023, compared to 2022, the company managed to reduce CO2 emissions from ships by 5.4 per cent. In 2024, DFDS further strengthened its leading position in Europe in terms of the number of available electric trucks: it will increase its previously ordered fleet of 125 electric trucks by an additional 100 newly ordered Volvo electric heavy vehicles. By the way, three electric trucks have been working in the Klaip?da region since last June, while ten electric trucks have been employed in Germany, specifically Cuxhaven and Neuen Kirchen. And this is not the end.

Its geographic location, permanent depth for seagoing vessels and the direct link to the national rail and road network make the port of Kiel attractive for cargo and passenger traffic alike, focusing on the routes towards Scandinavia and Lithuania.