As the European Union continues to tighten environmental requirements, ports are no longer driven solely by plans – they require solutions that enable real-time emission reduction. The Klaipėda Port has been operating a digital twin for some time, and it has recently been enhanced with a greenhouse gas (GHG) emission calculation methodology developed by the Klaipėda Science and Technology Park (KMTP), in cooperation with port technology experts and researchers. Integrated into the digital twin, this methodology forms the basis for systematic monitoring of vessel-related air pollution.
“We have been cooperating with the port for many years. The greatest value is created when scientific knowledge is combined with business needs. Solutions developed in this way have the potential to become an example for the entire region moving towards the green transition,” says Erika Zavackienė, Klaipėda Science and Technology Park project manager.
Precise data in real time
The new methodology enables assessment of the current situation and supports a shift from generalised estimates to detailed, data-driven monitoring that accurately reflects real conditions in the port. “In the future, the collected data may help identify the quays with the highest emissions and support decisions regarding the deployment of alternative energy sources – such as shore power (OPS) or hydrogen,” notes Algimantas Žygus. Based on a validated methodology, a calculation algorithm and software code have been developed that enable precise estimation of air pollutant and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from vessels berthed in the port.
Science and technology expanding capabilities
In this process, the Klaipėda Science and Technology Park acted as a bridge between science and business, helping adapt the solution to the port environment and bringing together scientific experts for testing and implementation. “Working with Klaipėda Port, we see how digitalisation becomes a tool that enables the translation of decarbonisation goals into everyday port operations. Our cooperation has shown that solutions important for both the city and business emerge faster when different competences are combined,” says Erika Zavackienė, Klaipėda Science and Technology Park project manager.
Projects enabling innovative solutions
The project “DigiTechPort2030”, implemented under the Interreg South Baltic Programme, has enabled the Klaipėda Port to transition from individual technological solutions to an integrated port operational planning model. During the project, a comprehensive 3D port model – a digital twin – was developed, accurately representing the port environment, from the water basin to quays, vessels, and critical infrastructure such as the fleet base and hydrogen facilities, including visualisation and realistic terrain representation. Real-time data integration from the local geographic information system (PortGIS) and other port information systems enables dynamic visualisation of vessel positions and bathymetric data, ensuring an accurate and up-to-date digital representation of the port environment.
“DigiTechPort2030 project enabled not only the first integrated emissions calculation solution developed in-house, but also effective cooperation between different institutions, resulting in a practically applicable solution,” says A. Žygus.
Towards a sustainable future
Port digitalisation and decarbonisation are rapidly becoming a necessity rather than an option across Europe. The case of methodologies developed by Klaipėda Port and the Klaipėda Science and Technology Park demonstrates that consistent cooperation between science, technology, and port operations can evolve from individual projects into working solutions that directly contribute to emission reduction and more efficient use of energy resources.
This project was co-financed by the European Commission. This communication reflects solely the views of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use of the information contained therein.
