
Goal of the event. Not only potential investors, but also industries operating in Klaipėda are preparing for the construction of the first offshore wind energy park in Lithuania.
The “Wind of Change” (“Pokyčių vėjas“) forum is being initiated in order to more widely share knowledge about the preparation processes and to discuss the importance of this infrastructure not only for strengthening energy independence and providing new possibilities for the business, but also in the context of increasing the prosperity of the Klaipėda region. The event will take place in Klaipėda on December 7, 2022.
Context. It is expected that the offshore wind park could produce up to 2 TWh of green electricity per year. It is estimated that this 700 MW power plant park, which is expected to start operating in 2028, would cover up to a quarter of Lithuania’s electricity needs.
In total, at least 4 offshore wind power parks could be developed on the coast of Lithuania. The capacity and installation timing of the other parks will depend on future research and other preparatory work timing.
The construction of the first wind park in Lithuania would attract about 1 bn EUR investments and provide ~ 1,300 new jobs. This project marks a certain turning point in assuming responsibility for a cleaner and more sustainable environment for the current and future generations. This project is also very important for the growth of municipalities in the coastal region. The offshore energy stands as one of the priorities and a significant area of the blue economy direction of the Klaipėda region’s specialization. Facing the upcoming changes brought by this project the local municipalities also welcome new opportunities for residents, young talents and deeper cooperation between the public sector, business and academia.
Organisers. The forum is organized by the Lithuanian Maritime Cluster, The Association “Klaipėda Region”, Klaipėda Science and Technology Park and Klaipėda University.
Programme will be announced soon.
Registration: https://bit.ly/3gRHFGD Renginys nemokamas.
Venue: Klaipėda university Aula Magna Hall, H.Manto st. 90, Klaipėda, Lithuania.

“Klaipėda Manifesto” is your ultimate networking platform for all-things maritime. Our mission is to enhance cooperation between governments and the industry, creating investment opportunities. We strive to align maritime regulations with industry needs, fostering Baltic Sea growth and a sustainable future.
If you are in the Blue Economy field, this conference is a must-attend. Meet maritime professionals, innovators, and stakeholders from (Northern) Europe, staying current on trends. Connect with decision-makers, partners, and investors in sessions and breaks, driving progress and cross-border partnerships.
This year, we focus on the offshore ecosystem, emissions reduction, workforce strategies, port technology, innovations, coastal tourism, the Lithuanian Maritime Strategy, and cross-border collaboration.
There is a lot about the future we do not know. But one thing is certain: we will live by the sea, from the sea, and of the sea.
Explore the program & register here: https://klaipedamanifesto.eventify.io/q/#/overview
Get a feel of the event in this video: https://youtu.be/29egvXyteBA?si=8dSg-ccJhBIbYRnI
Organizers: Klaipėda ID, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Vilnius, Klaipėda State Seaport Authority>
Partners: Klaipėda University, Association Klaipėda Region, Klaipėda Science and Technology Park, Norwegian-Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce in Vilnius, Lithuanian-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce in Oslo, Shipping and Offshore Network in Oslo, Lithuanian Maritime Cluster.
Sponsors: Ignitis Group, Klaipėda Free Economic Zone, Philip Morris International, Klaipėdos nafta, Lithuanian Maritime Cluster, Norway Grants.

Bio-LNG Market – Challenges and Opportunities for Technology on the Micro- and Nano-Scale. Join us at Liquid Energy Conference 2023 to discuss future solutions, policy, and technologies.
Details:
When: from 14 to 15 June 2023
Where: Pomeranian Science and Technology Park, Street: Aleja Zwycięstwa 96/98, Gdynia, 81-451
Nowadays the main activities of the LNG business focus on mega projects and big-scale LNG market and the comparatively diminutive market of micro- and nano-scale bio-LNG doesn’t get enough attention. Even if there are many market players, this segment is generally not yet in the focus of the industry participants but taking into consideration the great potential of this market it should be.
The two-days conference:
The event focuses on using micro- and nano-scale bio-LNG and LNG. We are aiming at creating a platform for exchange experience and define common challenges and discuss existing and / or missing technological and non-technological solutions. The project Liquid Energy under implementation by partners from Germany, Poland and Lithuania focuses on unlocking a new market for bio-LNG and LNG dedicated mainly to remote grid off areas, which are typical challenges for many countries.
Speakers:
Renewable energy sources get more and more attention – even in the developing countries. We expect for instance speakers from Nigeria were appr. 92 million people miss a permanent access to any energy source. We also expect for instance speakers from Sweden, Norway and Lithuania.
The conference and registration:
The conference features political, commercial and technical speakers. They will lead the debate and convey their unique perspectives on the state of the LNG and bio-LNG industry.
Project financing from the European Regional Development Fund: 1,681,181.00 EUR
The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Klaipeda Science and Technology Park and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union, the Managing Authority or the Joint Secretariat of the South Baltic Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020.

Crio fuels still are new for most of society. These liquids in addition to the typical risks associated with fuels, they carry new ones related to extreme low temperature. The LBG training provided by the Liquid Energy partners’ consortium is intended for those who want to know more about liquified biogas and to familiar with procedures of proper handling it to avoid accidents.
Locations & Dates:
Szczecin: Maritime University of Szczecin
4 Szczerbcowa st., Room 4
April 28th 2023, 09:00 – 14:00
Klaipėda: Klaipėda Science and Technology Park (+ONLINE!)
10 Vilhelmo Berbomo st., Conference Room
June 2nd 2023, 10:00 – 15:00
Gdynia: Pomeranian Science and Technology Park
Aleja Zwycięstwa 96/98, 81-451
June 14-15th 2023
Training duration ~ 5 hours. The language is English.
No participant fee. Training certificates will be issued to the participants.
REGISTRATION is required: https://bit.ly/LiquidEnergyTraining


Content of the training:
- LBG – the introduction
Production process, statistics, physical and chemical properties and comparison to other fuels
- The contribution to the safe operation
Regulations for vary means of transport LGB: ADR, RID, AND, IGC
- The precautions to prevent hazards
The presentation of the common hazards related to crio fuels
- The occupational health and safety precautions and measures
The presentation of the health hazards and means of protection and procedures to prevent accidents
- The firefighting operations
Causes and development of LBG fires, and the presentation of different methods of extinguishing them.
- The response to emergencies and the prevention of the environment pollution
The presentation of methods, procedures and means which have to be used in case of emergencies like emergency shut down bunkering or fuel transfer, spillage etc.
Our lecturers:
Stefan Jankowski. Assistant professor, Maritime University of Szczecin, Faculty of Navigation, Department of Maritime Simulation.
With experience in navigation and maritime traffic engineering. Partner in Interreg South Baltic project “Martech LNG”. Took pivotal role in LNG competence center established within Interreg Baltic Sea Region project “Go LNG”.
Marcin Przywarty. Assistant professor, Maritime University of Szczecin, Faculty of Navigation, Department of Marine Traffic Engineering.
With experience in navigation and maritime traffic engineering. Partner in Interreg South Baltic project “Martech LNG”. Took pivotal role in LNG competence center established within Interreg Baltic Sea Region project “Go LNG”.
Target audiences include: biogas industry, ports and transport industry, small scale gas applications, maritime industry.
More information/ representatives of LBG trainings at the locations:
Szczecin
Stefan Jankowski, s.jankowski@pm.szczecin.pl, +48 502 577 171
Marcin Przywarty, m.przywarty@pm.szczecin.pl, +48 604 143 747
Klaipėda
Andrius Sutnikas, andrius.sutnikas@kmtp.lt, +370 686 37681
Gdynia
Klaudia Kaźmierczak klaudia.kazmierczak@metropoliagdansk.pl, +48 730 778 218
Project financing from the European Regional Development Fund: 1,681,181.00 EUR
The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Klaipeda Science and Technology Park and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union, the Managing Authority or the Joint Secretariat of the South Baltic Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020.

Maritime Business and Policy Forum “Klaipeda in the Maritime Europe” that will be held in the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania on 19 May 2023, invites to celebrate the European Maritime Day.
The organizers and partners of the event are: Lithuanian Maritime Cluster, Klaipeda State Seaport Authority, Association of Lithuanian Stevedoring Companies, Lithuanian Shipowners’ Association, Klaipėda University, Klaipėda Science and Technology Park, “Klaipėda ID” and association “Klaipėda region”.
Maritime Business and Policy Forum targets government, maritime business, public institutions, NGOs and academia.
Join the forum on May 19th to catch up on the most important issues for the Lithuanian maritime business and maritime innovation ecosystem! Analyzing challenges, discussing solutions, exploring the potential of Klaipėda Seaport and shaping the future for the development of the sustainable blue economy – the event will ensure an engaging program and great networking opportunities.
Programme will be announced soon.
REGISTRATION: https://bit.ly/Jurosdiena2023
We look forward to your participation!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Date: 2023 May 19 (Friday).
Start of the event: 10:00 AM (EEST Time Zone)
Venue: Conference Hall of the 3rd Chamber of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania (2nd floor), Gedimino Ave. 53, LT-01109 Vilnius.
Contact person for practical information: Erika Zavackienė: erika@kmtp.lt; +370 684 50212.
Event language: Lithuanian. English translation will be provided at the venue.
Attention please: only those who have registered and received registration confirmation by e-mail will be granted permission to participate in the event. Have an identity document with you when you arrive at the event.
We would like to inform you that an image will be captured at the event for public information purposes, so you can be seen in the photos and videos. Photos and videos of the event will be posted on the event organizers’ websites and social networking accounts and distributed in a variety of media. The organizers can provide more detailed information on the processing of personal data.

The maritime industry, science and military experts of the State are joining forces in a unique format with the aim to create a conceptual design for a new generation Navy ship. On 15 February – the eve of the Lithuanian State Restoration Day – a cooperation agreement on the implementation of this innovative technology project will be signed in Klaipeda.
The initiator of the Lithuanian Warship 2030 project is the Lithuanian maritime cluster, which currently pools 12 members representing Lithuanian and foreign business organizations, as well as science and innovation agencies. ‘As the start of the project coincides with the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Klaipeda region incorporation into Lithuanian State, we have an additional impulse to reflect on the significance of being a maritime country. A more active participation of the Lithuanian maritime industry and science agencies concentrated in Klaipeda in the State security and defense projects is undoubtedly very important. Klaipeda is ready to step in with its experts and developed industry,’ said Arnoldas Šileika, Chairman of the Board of the Lithuanian Maritime Cluster.


The agreement will consolidate the cooperation between the cluster and the Naval Forces of the Lithuanian Armed Forces within the framework of this project. ‘The goal that we will pursue together with our partners has been generated in view of the plans to modernize the Lithuanian Naval Fleet, as well as to properly utilize the expert knowledge in specific military areas accumulated by us and the potential of Lithuanian maritime industry, science institutions and innovation centers. The solutions in the implementation of the project of the new generation warship will be aimed at meeting the needs and challenges of the Naval Forces and enabling to effectively solve both nationally relevant tasks and those set by the NATO,’ said Giedrius Premeneckas, Sea Captain, Commander of Naval Forces.
The parties will undertake to cooperate in the areas of exchange of professional knowledge and skills, as well as organize joint working groups, deepen competencies during specialized events, and share proposals.
‘The activities of the cluster are primarily aimed at creating high added-value solutions and, therefore, we see the project of the new generation Navy ship as a platform for opening new opportunities by making use of our already accumulated knowledge and experience,’ emphasized Andrius Sutnikas, the Development Manager of the Klaipeda Science and Technology Park, coordinating the activities of the Maritime Cluster.
Consortium members hope that the Lithuanian Warship 2030 project will also contribute to the creation of new perspectives for the maritime business and the entire maritime innovation community, as the competitive project would gain commercialization potential.

Want to meet people, brainstorm, discuss, design, code, experiment, have fun and make great games? This is exactly the event for you!
LT Game Jam 2023 is a game jam event where participants have a task to develop a game from a rough idea to a working prototype. LT Game Jam 2023 is a part of the Global Game Jam event.
LT Game Jam 2023 is an excellent challenge for aspiring and seasoned game makers to balance creativity with time management, teamwork and game production skills. Participation requires focus and stamina, involving 48 hours of innovation, experimentation, collaboration, and fun.
You can expect to build life-long friendships and future career opportunities as well as valuable skill-building experience.
To join the LT Game Jam site on Global Game Jam, please use this link: https://globalgamejam.org/2023/jam-sites/lt-game-jam.
Big thanks for all support to our sponsors and partners: Lithuanian Council for Culture, Nordcurrent, Estoty, TutoTOONS, Wargaming, SneakyBox, Nesnausk!, Gaidelis, all event team and volunteers!
More information about LT Game Jam 2023 on our website: https://www.gamejam.lt/
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lt-game-jam-2023-klaipeda-tickets-519694158217
The Baltic-American Dialogue program fosters the exchange of ideas between the Baltic States and U.S. and stimulates international collaboration.
Public organizations in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are invited to apply for funds to host speakers from the U.S. to travel to the Baltics. BAFF provides successful applicant organizations with financial support to sponsor American speakers on topics of mutual importance and interest.
Applicant organizations are encouraged to design programs and invite speakers to address the interests of their unique constituencies. Funding is designed to cover expenses such as airfare and local lodging, meals, and transportation.
Since the opportunity to travel to the Baltics and meet with counterparts in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania represents a substantial benefit for potential U.S. speakers, funding does not cover speakers’ fees or honoraria. Rather, funds are intended to cover expenses such as airfare, local transportation, and accommodations and meals.

The winter images of the Baltic seashore might seem blindingly white, but the layer of snow covers the dark side of this beautiful sight – the environmentally damaging litter left behind or washed away by the waves.
The quantities of litter found on Lithuanian beaches exceeds the European standart which defines the good condition of beaches by a dozen to several dozen times over. The situation is no better in Latvia either.
Scientists from neighboring countries have joined forces for the first time in confronting the plastic pollution problem. They are not just talking widely about the results of research carried out on the coast for the past two years, but have also prepared specific guidelines for municipalities, the catering and tourism businesses, and other sectors that would help to achieve positive changes.
Unified monitoring
Both Lithuanian and Latvian researchers have drawn attention to the problem of plastic pollution and have been carrying out studies and calculations for around a decade, highlighting the fact that single-use plastic products and their fragments dominate among the litter found on coastal stretches, while microplastics have long been dominant in the category of micro trash. “Still, there was no general monitoring system that would provide opportunities to have more clarity, compare data and look for the most appropriate solutions to the problem” noted Dr. Arunas Balčiūnas of the Maritime Research Institute of Klaipėda University (KU).
The Interreg V-A Latvia–Lithuania Cross Border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020 and project “ESMIC” (LLI-525 Estimation, monitoring and reduction of plastic pollutants in Latvian-Lithuanian coastal area via innovative tools and awareness raising) provided opportunities for researchers from neighboring countries to work together. Klaipėda Science and Technology Park, Latvian Water Ecology Institute at Daugavpils University, Environmental Education Fund in Latvia (FEE Latvia) participated in the activities together with KU.
Innovative approach and methods
When scientists noticed that algae attract garbage and its fragments like a trap, monitoring their accumulation and emissions on the shore became an extremely significant activity of the project. In the implementation of the project innovative methods were used – beach surveys with drones as well as the analysis of data collected by satellite systems. While processing them, the researchers also integrated artificial intelligence technologies to help model and map algae emissions. “We took, I would say, pioneering steps, because in Europe we did not encounter stronger attempts to work on a project on plastic litter topic by combining all these tools,” a KU JTI researcher highlighted.
Consecutive observations were carried out for two years, during which time it was possible to identify the coastal stretches where algal wracks occur most frequently. In Lithuania, the areas in Klaipėda at the northern pier, as well as the northern beach of Šventoji, are exceptional in this regard. In Latvia, algal wracks were primarily recorded between Pape and Jūrmalciems, as well as in the north of the Venspils pier and in the section between Jūrmala and Bigaunciems.
According to dr. Balčiūnas, it is potentially the first time that the composition of the abovementioned accumulations has been studied so carefully: “Research into garbage entangled in algae has been a kind of gray zone until now, because it is quite difficult to carry them out.”
Microplastics are a macro-problem
The research revealed that there was significantly more litter in the algae than in the nearby receding beach sand – the numbers ranged from 2.7 to 6.4 times in the stretches studied. In this context, microplastics are a real ecological timebomb. These particles, which are smaller than 5 mm, are found in extremely large quantities in seaweed: 1 m³ of algae can contain from several tens of thousands to several hundreds of thousands of microplastic fragments. Being highly resistant and created from various chemical compounds, they pose a significant threat to living organisms.
According to the scientists, society is already quite aware of the essential sources of plastic: disposable cutlery, packaging and decorations, certain cosmetics ‘rich’ in microplastics, and synthetic textiles. “However, sometimes we don’t even think about other forms of how plastic moves in cities and ecosystems. For example, the mountains of snow cleared from the streets absorb transport pollution, garbage, and microplastics, which melt and flow into the seas and oceans,” the scientist pointed out.
Algae management dilemmas
Bearing in mind the data obtained during the research carried out in Lithuania and Latvia, it is concluded that collecting algae could eliminate quite significant amounts of plastic and other garbage from the marine environment. However, there is no one answer – algae provide both food and shelter for certain species.
Once the decision to remove the algae from the shore has been made, certain dilemmas arise again. In some countries, it is a common practice to use these marine plants as mulch or dune reinforcement, but knowledge of the plastic and microplastics in such accumulations would potentially discourage this.
However, scientists tend to suggest removing algae that stay longer on beaches in the warm season to special sites or for burning. According to researchers, unmanaged algae can serve as a kind of incubator in which microorganisms dangerous to human health grow. It has been determined that three days is the limit for when algae should be removed from beaches visited by vacationers, otherwise disease outbreaks are possible. The processes are especially intensified in warm weather, but even in autumn when, following stronger winds, people rush to look for amber in the algae wrack, the danger also remains. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to hand hygiene, and to keep a closer eye on children when exploring the environment.
Balance of discipline and encouragement
While stressing the need to respond appropriately to algalemissions, researchers emphasize the importance of preventative actions to ensure that the sea and beaches stay clean. In December, scientists from Lithuania and Latvia presented an action plan prepared within the framework of the “ESMIC” project, which aims to reduce the use of single-use plastic products in the household, business or during recreational activities.
In preparing this package of tools, which will remain permanently available online, the researchers sought to draw attention to the fact that the involvement of different groups of society is necessary in order to achieve tangible change. “Beach clean-up events are great, but we need to be consistent. You see garbage – pick it up, think about it when buying and selling a souvenir, a product, wrapped in one way or another. The action plan identifies very specific areas and situations where we can and must be proactive in integrating alternatives to single-use plastics,” claimed Balčiūnas.
Coastal municipalities are able to create stricter frameworks for the use of single-use plastic through the mechanisms of issuing permits and licenses for catering, trade sectors, organizers of major events. The implementation and promotion of the deposit system in bars, festivals, more drinking water fountains or taps – this would also significantly contribute to reducing the level of single-use plastics.
However, restrictions are not the only way of achieving this – it is also important to highlight those who bring about positive changes on their own initiative. Consequently, the “ESMIC” project initiated the “Conscious Choice” awards for organizations and individuals who contribute to the reduction of single-use plastic and educate the public through their activities and example. At the end of this year, the Latvians “Tiamo Grupa”, VšĮ Žemupite, a cafe-bar „Kuršis“ operating in Nida were honored, along with Bronislava Butkutė, a resident of Šventoji town.
Covered by Euronews
The “ESMIC” team highlights that municipalities, business and society do not ignore the problem of plastic – this was evidenced by the involvement of organizations in various events during which relevant information and good practices are shared, as well as cross-sectoral cooperation in the implementation of educational initiatives and exhibitions.
The “My Sea Campaign”, which was organized for the first time in Lithuania this autumn, invited people together with scientists to not only to collect and count garbage on the beaches of Karkle, Melnragė, Šventoji and Palanga, but also discuss environmental challenges and possible ways to solve them.
The fact that “ESMIC” responded to a truly relevant problem was not only evidenced by the attention of the national media, but also by the assessment of the project’s importance on an international scale – “Euronews TV” came to film the “My Sea Campaign” and was interested in the work of the researchers. The “Smart Regions” TV show created opportunities for Lithuanian and Latvian scientists to share their insights with an audience of 155 countries in seven languages.
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Project ERDF financing: 382 138.64 Eur.
Partners: Klaipėda University, Klaipėda Science and Technology Park, Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Agency of Daugavpils University, Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) Latvia.
The Interreg V-A Latvia – Lithuania Cross Border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020.
More information:
Klaipėda University Marine Research Institute researcher Dr. Arunas Balčiūnas
Tel. + 370 46 39 87 36, e-mail arunas.balciunas@apc.ku.lt
https://latlit.eu/esmic/ www.europa.eu
This article was prepared with the financial support of the European Union (EU). Klaipėda Science and Technology Park is responsible for the content of the article. Under no circumstances should it be taken to reflect the opinion of the EU.

The upcoming conference TOWARDS A HEALTHIER SEA: MARINE LITTER ISSUE will finalize two years of research and educational work of the project Esmic team. On December 13, 2022 scientists and specialists from other fields who assisted them, will present the results and share their insights about what steps would be necessary to reduce pollution and move faster on the path of sustainability and ecological awareness. Special attention will be paid to the problem of single-use plastic and other garbage.
The conference TOWARDS A HEALTHIER SEA: MARINE LITTER ISSUE will be held at Klaipėda University. Natural resources and their preservation are important both for the well-being of local residents of coastal cities and for tourism, so representatives of business, self-government, and public health are invited to actively participate in the event, as well as everyone who cares about the state of our sea and coastine.
Registration is already open: http://bit.ly/3GFxdN9
! Special message: during the event, the best business and public sector initiatives that contributed to reducing the use of single-use plastic implemented in Lithuania and Latvia will be awarded. You can submit nominations for the CONCIOUS CHOICE AWARDS until December 10, 2022 by email erika@kmtp.lt (please provide a 5-10 sentence desription, relevant link(s), photos/visualisations and contacts of the nominee).
Key aspects of the programme:
• Overview and results of the Esmic project
• Experiences of My Sea Campaign and other beach initiatives
• Researchers – about the problem of the accumulation of single-use plastic products and other garbage on beaches and in algae washed ashore
• Acquaintance with remote research methods, which make it possible to observe Baltic Sea algae blooms and accumulations using satellites and drones
• Attention to possible microbiological threats caused by algae accumulations
• Intersectoral dialogue on the possible solutions
• CONCIOUS CHOICE AWARDS

The detailed program will be announced soon. The language of the event is English.
The event is organized within the framework of the Interreg V-A Latvia-Lithuania Programme 2014-2020 project “ESMIC” (LLI-525 Estimation, monitoring and reduction of plastic pollutants in the Latvian-Lithuanian coastal area via innovative tools and awareness).
Project co-financing by European Regional Development Fund: 382 138,64 Eur.
ESMIC project partners: Klaipėda University, Klaipėda Science and Technology Park, Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Agency of Daugavpils University, Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) Latvia.