In the first DigiTechPort030 project interview series, we had the chance to talk to Erika Zavackienė, Project Manager at the Klaipėda Science and Technology Park (KSTP), one of the DigiTechPort2030 project partners. Erika sat down with us and gave us a brief introduction into the Green Compass Tool, which we will be introducing in greater detail in future articles, as well as other initiatives the KSTP is currently involved in.
DigiTechPort2030: In your opinion, why has the decarbonization of the maritime transport sector become such a prevalent topic in recent years?
Erika: Sustainable and clean energy has become a global priority, particularly within the European Union’s agenda for achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The maritime sector plays an important role in this transition, with decarbonisation emerging as a key objective. Green fleet development, zero-emission port operations, and advancements in alternative fuels are essential to ensuring a sustainable future. Regulatory support and technological innovations have further accelerated the sector’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
DTP2030: What solution/tool in particular are you working on within the DigiTechPort2030 project that will help ports to reduce emissions?
Erika: Due to our location in the Baltic Sea Region, supporting blue and green technology innovation has always been a top priority for the Klaipėda Science and Technology Park (KSTP). As part of the DigiTechPort2030 initiative, KSTP is developing the Green Compass Tool, a digital platform designed to guide small and medium-sized ports (SMSPs) in their transition to green energy sources.
This tool provides SMSPs with a structured framework for implementing renewable energy solutions, optimizing operational mechanisms with minimal environmental impact, and tracking progress through self-assessment. By utilizing the Green Compass, ports can effectively position themselves within the maritime sector’s sustainability landscape and chart a clear path toward green transformation.
DTP2030: Scalability of innovative tools and solutions is always a challenge – will the Green Compass be also useful to smaller ports, not just their “bigger colleagues”?
Erika: A key challenge in maritime decarbonisation is ensuring that innovative tools are accessible to all ports, regardless of size. While large ports often have greater financial and logistical capacity to implement green technologies, smaller ports face additional barriers due to limited resources and policy support. Despite these challenges, they are equally subject to EU environmental targets and regulations.
DigiTechPort2030 addresses this gap by offering adaptable, scalable solutions through the Green Compass Tool and pilots. By focusing on flexible and smart applications, KSTP ensures that SMSPs can effectively plan and execute their green energy transition initiatives, making green energy transformation a reality for all ports.
DTP2030: Could you share with us other sustainability-focused initiatives and projects the Klaipeda Science and Technology Park is currently working on?
Erika: With over 60 international and national projects under our belt, we mostly specialise in promoting innovation and sustainable development of the maritime sector, aquaculture, green energy through bringing together business, academia, and other stakeholders. Currently, together with Cool Blue Future partners we are exploring ways to bring regenerative ocean farming practices throughout Baltic Sea coastlines, which not only secures alternative marine food supply, but also benefits to entire marine ecosystem. Also, we have started the BePacMan project which focuses on extending the life cycles of paper packaging through cross-sector and cross-border approaches to reuse in the South Baltic region. The aim is to develop sustainable concepts, solutions and business models and support SMEs. In terms of the maritime transport sector, we are partner in Blue Supply Chains project that focuses on creating emission reduction solutions for port activities and transport chains.
DTP2030: Thank you for your time!
For more updates on DigiTechPort2030 project follow our LinkedIn.
Join DTP2030 Webinar!
On 27th of March, we invite you to learn more about the Green Compass Tool and participate at the DigiTechPort2030 Webinar: An Efficient Approach to the Decarbonisation of Small- and Medium-sized Ports.
The event is open to everyone interested! Participation is free of charge.
Save the date and register here: DigiTechPort2030 Webinar Registration (google.com)
A consortium of scientists from Germany, Italy, and Lithuania has embarked on a groundbreaking transnational research project, ProRMAS. Funded by the Green ERA-Hub (GEH), they aim to develop a recirculating multitrophic aquaponic system (RMAS) for production of valuable proteins and organic fertilizers from saline water sources.
With seafood supply currently reaching around 17% of animal proteins and about 7% of total protein, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) has potential for growth in the upcoming years. However, nutrients in the dissolved and solid waste from these systems remain unused. Here ProRMAS team comes with the innovative solution: integrating aquatic species, filter feeders, and plants into a fully circular system using saline water.
“Our goal is to develop a sustainable, closed-loop system that maximizes water and nutrient efficiency while producing high-quality protein,” said Matthew James Slater, Head of Aquaculture Research Group at Alfred Wegener Institute, and leader of the international ProRMAS consortium. “By utilizing saline water resources, we can create a viable solution for food production in areas where freshwater is scarce.”
Researchers from the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (Germany), Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE) at the University of Padova (Italy), and Klaipėda Science and Technology Park (Lithuania), are conducting multiple experiments and tests with sludge from the shrimp cultivation to produce aquatic species that can be used in novel shrimp diets.
Focusing on cultivating shrimp as a high-value protein, the innovative system will produce polychaetes to serve as an alternative to fishmeal in feeds, while also recovering nutrients and reducing organic waste through remineralization. Halophyte plants and macroalgae will absorb dissolved nutrients and can be utilized in feed and for human consumption due to their nutritional properties. Any remaining organic residue will be converted into bio-fertilizers for use in soil and soilless vegetable cultivation, aiming for zero waste and nutrient loss.
In cooperation with the greenhub solutions GmbH, providers of innovative vertical farming solutions, a future demo-farm is being designed. Located in Germany, it will integrate the production of shrimp, polychaetes, Ulva spp., halophytes, and traditional vegetable species. The complete demo-farm will serve as a base to evaluate the environmental impact, economic viability, and quality of food production.
About ProRMAS project:
ProRMAS is part of the Green ERA-Hub that is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No 1010568. This international research and development project is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry of the Republic of Italy. Total budget of ProRMAS – €732 000.
More information about ProRMAS project and its activities: ProRMAS project webpage and ProRMAS LinkedIn.
About Green ERA-Hub (GEH):
The Green ERA-Hub is a Coordination and Support Action under Horizon Europe that brings together relevant ongoing and self-sustaining networks in the Agri-food and biotechnology sectors. It represents a significant part of Europe’s national ministries, funders, and research institutes, providing transnational co-programming of national research priorities and funding, organising joint scientific research, knowledge valorisation, and science-policy dialogue activities.
More information about Green ERA-Hub: www.greenerahub.eu
The ProRMAS project is carried out under the Green ERA-Hub, a Coordination and Support Action (CSA), funded through the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation (R&I) programme under Grant Agreement No. 101056828.
This international research and development project is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry of the Republic of Italy.
Are you a startup, company, or higher education institution in the EU facing a blue biotech challenge? Submit your challenge for the Blue Bio Techpreneurs (BBT) Baltic Hackathon 2025 and collaborate on innovative solutions!
This hackathon is organised by the Blue Bio Techpreneurs project which promotes collaboration between academia and the private sector, seeking to inspire students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs to explore blue careers, with the ambition of bridging the skills gap within the blue biotech sector.
This year, BBT Baltic Hackathon, a three-day event, will take place in Borucino, Poland, from 6th to 8th June 2025. The event will bring together the Blue Bioeconomy industries with approximately 25 students from Europe. Student participants will support you in solving your challenges and turn them into innovative solutions.
The BBT Baltic Hackathon is designed for startups, companies, and higher education institutions in blue biotechnology, which have real-life challenges to solve. You benefit from the ideas and inspiration of young talents who will hack your solution with innovative approaches.
You get access to the blue talent of tomorrow and contribute to supporting young innovators in their development to access the blue biotech job market equipped with your experience in transversal skills, problem-solving, and design thinking. We appreciate your challenges in shaping a sustainable future for the blue bioeconomy.
Submit a challenge by filling out the short online form by March 4th: Call for Challenges.
More about the hackathon: BBT Baltic Hackathon 2025.
To present the Call for Proposals for the new EIT Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) in the water, marine, maritime sectors and ecosystems in greater detail, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) is hosting an Info Day on 5 March 2025.
This event is a part of the European Ocean Days 2025, organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE).
Aimed at potential applicants – including businesses, research entities and universities – along with multiplier and non-governmental organisations, policy-makers and media active in the sector – this half-day, hybrid event will offer an excellent opportunity to get prepared for the Call for Proposals and to learn more about the EIT’s approach to creating sustainable innovation ecosystems.
A significant part of the Info Day will be dedicated to presenting the Call modalities, in particular its scope, the application and evaluation process and timeline, as well as best practices from existing EIT KICs. The event will also offer inspiring discussions with members of the EIT Community and a chance for networking.
Registration is for onsite participants only. For online participants (web streaming), no registration is required. The streaming link will be shared closer to the event.
Agenda: EIT Water Info Day
Registration: b2match/EIT Water KIC Info Day
INVESTech aims to establish a transnational platform for Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) across Slovakia, Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Lithuania.
The project involves 18 partners and 13 associate partners from five countries (Slovakia, Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Lithuania). INVESTech project will run for 4 years and the Technical University of Košice (Slovakia) is the project coordinator. The implementation of the project is carried out in cooperation between the Faculty of Economics and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics.
FORUM ON VOCATIONAL EXCELLENCE 2024
The INVESTech partnership is proud to announce its participation in the 3rd Forum on Vocational Excellence, which took place in Lyon, France from September 10-12, 2024! This event brought together leaders and innovators from Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) across Europe to exchange ideas, share best practices, and reshape the future of skills in a rapidly changing world. With a focus on sustainability, digital solutions, and inclusive transitions, the Forum is a hub for forging new partnerships and driving impactful change in vocational education and training.
THE NATIONAL WORKSHOPS IN THE PARTNER COUNTRIES
The INVESTech project has recently hosted national workshops in Cyprus, Greece, Slovakia, Lithuania, and Bulgaria, driving the future of ICT vocational education. These events brought together stakeholders from education, business, NGOs, and government to collaborate on developing Centers of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs). The workshops focused on key trends such as the green transition, advanced ICT skills, and stronger education-industry ties. Across partner countries, strategies were mapped out to modernize vocational education, emphasizing digital skills, sustainability, and alignment with job market demands.
FOCUS GROUPS
Between October and November 2024, focus groups across partner countries addressed skill gaps in advanced technologies (ATIs) to shape the future of ICT. In Cyprus, discussions focused on AI & Ethics, Big Data, and ICT & Sustainability. Slovakia highlighted gaps in AI, blockchain, and Industry 5.0, emphasising cross-sector collaboration. Bulgaria examined trends in advanced technologies and their impact on education and industry, while Lithuania stressed bridging technical and soft skill gaps. Greece’s focus group explored AI & Ethics, Big Data, Blockchain, IoT, ICT for Sustainability, Industry 5.0, and Quantum Computing.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
The INVESTech consortium is actively progressing on multiple work packages, with preparations underway to launch the next phase of the project. Partners are currently finalizing national and European-level findings from desktop research, focus groups, and expert interviews across various Advanced Technology Industries (ATIs).
By February 2025, the second round of national workshops will be held to establish Centers of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) in partner countries.
In March 2025, a project meeting will take place in Sofia, Bulgaria, where partners will participate in a transnational workshop to define the INVESTech CoVE platform and conduct a study visit focused on academia-industry collaborations.
STAY TUNED
@investech-cove
PARTNERS
This project has been co-funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. Project Number: ERASMUS-EDU-2023-PEX-COVE-101143958
Researchers from Germany, Italy, and Lithuania have joined forces in the international research project ProRMAS, funded by Green ERA-Hub. Project partners are developing an innovative system to produce valuable proteins and organic fertilizers from saline water sources using a recirculating multitrophic aquaponic system (RMAS).
Last week, the project consortium, uniting researchers from the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, University of Padova, Klaipėda Science and Technology Park, and representatives of greenhub solutions GmbH, a company developing advanced solutions for vertical farming, held a meeting in Padova, Italy.
During the meeting, we shared updates on ongoing experiments and activities, reviewing the progress made in creating a novel food production system that integrates the cultivation of shrimp, polychaetes, seaweed, and halophytes into one closed-loop cycle using saline water.
Part of the visit was dedicated to exploring our partners’ scientific facilities. We visited the Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals, and Environment (DAFNAE) at the University of Padova, which will host one of the ProRMAS pilot systems.
More information about the project: www.greenerahub.eu/prormas.
Follow project updates on LinkedIn: ProRMAS.
The ProRMAS project is carried out under the Green ERA-Hub, a Coordination and Support Action (CSA), funded through the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation (R&I) programme under Grant Agreement No. 101056828.
This international research and development project is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry of the Republic of Italy.
A significant discussion took place at Klaipeda University, initiated by the university’s rector, Prof. Dr. Artūras Razbadauskas. In response to the growing need to enhance the Baltic Sea’s hybrid and energy security, scientists and business representatives gathered around the same table. The discussion addressed pressing contemporary issues, such as the protection of maritime infrastructure and vessels from physical and cyber threats and explored how science and business could contribute to mitigating these risks.
KU researchers presented the university’s capabilities and resources, including the capacity of its scientific laboratories, the technological potential of the research vessel Mintis for exploring the seabed, and their experience. They also highlighted their collaboration with the European Space Agency in developing a data processing programme for the Baltic Sea region.
KU Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Laura Šaltytė-Vaisiauskė, highlighted that Klaipėda University is currently implementing 12 projects under the Horizon Europe programme, two of which are in the field of technological sciences. This clearly demonstrates KU’s expertise and the internationally recognised competencies of its researchers. Additionally, she emphasised the scientists’ experience in processing big data to monitor unusual vessel movements in the Baltic Sea, as well as the capability to observe the area above and below the Baltic Sea using surface and underwater drones.
Among the business representatives attending the meeting were Andrius Sutnikas, Head of the Lithuanian Maritime Cluster; Roma Stubrienė, Director of Klaipėda Science and Technology Park; and Arnoldas Šileika, CEO of the Western Shipyard Group (VLG). The latter emphasised the importance of collaboration between the business and academic sectors, particularly in developing high value-added solutions.
“Strengthening cross-sectoral partnerships in the areas of security and defence is crucial for harnessing existing potential and identifying points of interaction between science and business. From the perspective of the maritime engineering industry, we proposed an initiative to collaborate with the academic sector in developing a programme focused on high value-added solutions in this field. A significant part of such a programme could involve the development of military maritime drone technologies, drawing on our engineering expertise,” said Arnoldas Šileika, CEO of the Western Shipyard Group (VLG).
KU representatives, led by Rector Prof. Dr. A. Razbadauskas, agreed that close collaboration between science and business is a key factor in achieving long-term goals.
“The security of the Baltic Sea region is our shared goal. Klaipeda University is not only ready but also eager to take the lead in this important initiative. By combining the knowledge and expertise of science and business, we can achieve truly significant results,” said Prof. Dr. A. Razbadauskas.
The discussion participants unanimously agreed that the partnership between the university and the business sector holds great potential for developing innovative solutions to prevent hybrid and energy threats at sea. This meeting once again reaffirmed that joint efforts and the synergy of knowledge are the keys to success.
Dear partners, innovators, community, and friends,
This festive season, we invite you to stop for a moment and celebrate!
May your year be filled with:
The power of Knowledge that sparks creativity and new ideas.
Success driven by the inner motivation and the courage to move forward.
Teamwork – the true foundation for all the progress.
Prosperity and growth, both for you and those around you.
We wish you a joyful Christmas holiday and an inspiring New Year!
With warmest regards,
The Klaipėda Science and Technology Park Team
TETRAS project partners workshop Feasibility and Beyond at Mission Arena 3. © Delphine Chavalier
More than 300 participants from the North Sea region and beyond convened in Amsterdam on November 26-27 for the Blue Mission BANOS Mission Arena 3. The event served as a platform to tackle critical issues in the blue economy, including multi-use of space, mariparks, smart sea and security, blue bio-resources, marine protection, and marine energy production.
The blue economy is vital for ensuring a sustainable future in the Baltic and North Sea (BANOS) regions. From fisheries and aquaculture to shipping and renewable energy, marine and aquatic resources are essential for driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and promoting environmental responsibility.
Central to these efforts is the BlueMissionBANOS initiative, which aims to build a carbon-neutral, circular blue economy by bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, scientists, and the public. By addressing key environmental challenges, the initiative seeks to prevent water pollution, restore aquatic ecosystems, and protect biodiversity, setting the stage for a sustainable and resilient future.
At this year’s Mission Arena, TETRAS partners hosted a workshop titled “Feasibility and Beyond: Investing in and Developing Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS).” The session brought together North Sea experts to exchange best practices and address challenges in early RAS development. Key themes included innovative approaches like energy-efficient designs, side-stream optimization, and industrial symbiosis.
Featured speakers included Arne Bækgaard (Denmark), a private consultant; Rob van de Ven (Netherlands), Co-Founder of Landing Aquaculture BV; and Stefan Teerlinck (Belgium), Chairman of the Flemish Aquaculture Platform and Head of Research on aquaculture and insect production at Inagro vzw. Their expertise provided engaging insights into RAS systems.
Arne reflected on the evolution of RAS, focusing on salmon farming and examples like Skagen Salmon, touching on feed, production, and energy use. Rob shared insights on effective RAS system design, highlighting the “Landing Way” approach and common pitfalls in design. Stefan discussed successful and failed case studies in Flanders, emphasizing market dynamics, production costs, and scalability.
The open discussion tackled topics like certification, sustainability, and production planning, underscoring significant interest in RAS despite persisting challenges. Identified barriers included high investment costs, licensing complexity, energy expenses, and a shortage of skilled labor. Effluent water treatment, necessary for circular systems like agriculture, was also highlighted as a critical issue.
The workshop affirmed RAS’s potential to revolutionize sustainable seafood production, with new species like shrimp gaining traction in Europe for their environmental benefits. However, to fully harness this potential, stakeholders must address barriers and make RAS farming an attractive career path for younger generations.
Learn more about the TETRAS project on our website: https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/tetras/
TETRAS Feasibility and Beyond Workshop participants at Mission Arena 3. © Delphine Chavalier
Arne Bækgaard presenting his experience in the RAS sector. © Delphine Chavalier
Rob van de Ven (Landing Aquaculture BV) presenting “the Landing Way” of RAS design and installation.
TETRAS Feasibility and Beyond Workshop participants at Mission Arena 3.
Stefan Teerlinck (Flemish Aquaculture Platform) presenting case studies of successes and failures in RAS in Flanders.
TETRAS project partners at Mission Arena 3. © Delphine Chavalier
Future Mission Arena Events
Following the 3rd Mission Arena, the BlueMissionBANOS project is set to continue its event series. The upcoming 4th Mission Arena is scheduled for April 28th and 29th, 2025, in Sopot, Poland. These gatherings serve as a nexus for collaboration within the Blue Economy, so save the dates and join us in Sopot!
Stay informed, visit the BlueMissionBANOS
Website: https://bluemissionbanos.eu/events/
Interested in becoming part of the Mission Ocean network? Endorse the Mission Ocean charter here. The process is very simple and allows you to become a member of an active community of projects, organisations, and initiatives working to improve European oceans and waters.
The TETRAS project, co-funded by the Interreg BSR program, helps promote the transition to a green and resilient Baltic Sea region. TETRAS (Technology transfer for thriving recirculating aquaculture systems in the Baltic Sea Region) aims to solve common challenges of the Baltic Sea region – how to harmonize economic development with social and environmental protection goals.
Klaipeda University (KU), together with two other Lithuanian universities, ministries, and industrial companies, signed an agreement to establish the CCS/CCUS (Lithuanian Carbon Capture, Transport, Storage and Utilization) platform. According to the representatives of the Ministry of Energy, the aim is to create a platform that will operate as a national hub for advancing CCS technologies, promoting industry engagement, and aligning Lithuania’s CCS efforts with European and global strategies.
The agreement aims to promote the development of CO2 transport infrastructure, to encourage research and innovation. This is to ensure a sustainable, secure, and competitive energy supply for the country.
“When it comes to CO2 capture, transport, and storage, Europe and the whole world face major challenges. We support the ambition to develop a single platform at national level. Klaipeda University is one of the three universities invited to join the development of this important project. We will make every effort to use the potential we have – the knowledge of our scientists, our equipment”, says Dr. Benediktas Petrauskas, Vice-Rector of Infrastructure and Development of KU, who signed the agreement.
The National Energy Independence Strategy aims to ensure the transition to clean energy sources and technological progress in Lithuania, while contributing to environmental objectives.
The agreement on the establishment of the CCS/CCUS platform in Lithuania was signed by the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, the Ministry of Environment, the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists, Klaipeda University, Kaunas University of Technology, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuanian Energy Institute, KN Energies, AB, Ambergrid, AB, Achema, AB, and Akmenės cementas, AB.
