The event, held on 28-29 April 2025 in Sopot, Poland, gave the the opportunity to exchange on all aspects of the blue economy of the Arena 4 region including Poland, eastern Germany and Denmark, and south-eastern Sweden. The event will culminate in the co-creation of a roadmap guiding the region toward achieving the goals of EU Mission Oceans & Waters.
The overall goal of the initiative is to support EU’s mission to restore the oceans and waters, with Blue Mission BANOS in particular supporting stakeholders across the Baltic and North Sea in reaching a carbon-neutral and circular blue economy.
A new, complex stage for ports to act on
During the event, the Blue Supply Chains Project partners, jointly with the H2Derivatives@BalticSeaPorts Project and the REDII Ports Project, organised the session: “Ports – Sustainable & Secure Energy Hubs in an Evolving Transport Landscape.”
In a nutshell, ports today are:
- sustainable energy hubs (enabling the energy transition in port cities and beyond)
- in the transition towards zero emission (implementing electrification of port handling equipment- and On-Shore Power Supply solutions)
- still acting as traditional freight hubs (enabling international trade, resilient transport systems and welfare)
The opening discussion panel, moderated by Bogdan Ołdakowski (Baltic Ports Organization), touched upon a number of important issues, including current challenges and opportunities faced by ports, key fuel options and decarbonization efforts, including the port operators’ PO, stakeholder cooperation and financial challenges, the balance between trandition roles and sustainibility-related efforts, as well as various regulatory issues.
Invited panelists incldued Linda Styhre (IVL – Swedish Environmental Institute), Manfred Lebmeier (Hamburg Port Authority), Jan Jarmakowski (Gdynica Container Terminal), Henning Dierks (Mabanaft) and Wojciech Muchlado (P&O Ferrymasters).
Challenges and opportunities faced by ports
The discussion opened by acknowledging the challenging landscape faced by ports, driven by both business and geopolitical factors. Ports are at the centre of the decarbonisation efforts, with the pressure to evolve their operations to include renewable energy sources and adapt to regulatory frameworks. While these efforts bring opportunities, such as the potential for green hydrogen and other alternative fuels, significant barriers exist, particularly related to infrastructure development, regulatory support, and financing.
Key Fuel Options and Decarbonization Efforts
Linda emphasised that ports are exploring multiple fuel options, including biofuels (biogas, electro fuels like hydrogen), and highlighted the need for better safety measures around technologies like Armonia. She pointed out the significant cost gap between fossil fuels and biofuels, noting the lack of urgency in addressing the transition to sustainable fuels.
Meanwhile, Manfred highlighted the need for electric power in ports, focusing on local production and storage. However, he noted challenges with transporting hydrogen and CO2, underscoring the need for further regulation and clarity around who is responsible for these logistics.
Decarbonisation from a port operator’s POV
Jan provided a port operator’s viewpoint, stressing that decarbonisation measures would ultimately affect end consumers in terms of cost allocation. He highlighted the importance of cooperation between port authorities, energy grid operators, and port operators to support the transition. Jan pointed out that the increase in energy consumption, alongside regulatory hurdles, requires a concerted effort to ensure energy efficiency and support for carbon-free operations.
Similarly, Henning shared optimism about projects underway in Germany, including hydrogen production and the conversion of diesel infrastructure to support methanol.
Stakeholder cooperation and financial challenges
Wojciech discussed the critical need for stakeholder collaboration between port operators, customers, and energy providers. He underscored the urgency of securing funding and developing solutions that align with the decarbonisation goals. However, he also noted that only a small percentage (around 5%) of customers (leaders, not implementers) are willing to invest in sustainable solutions, which needs to change.
The discussion emphasised that sustainable investments are essential but require substantial financial commitments, with a need for clear stakeholders to take responsibility.
Balancing traditional roles with sustainability
The discussion also touched upon ports’ traditional role in handling goods and how that role might evolve with the increasing focus on sustainability. Linda underscored the importance of resilient transport systems and the balancing act between energy transition and maintaining the ports’ core functions.
Manfred added that while the push for sustainability is essential, ports are businesses that must remain financially viable.
Regulatory issues and the need for action
The session highlighted several regulatory issues, including the need for energy production to be as close as possible to the ports and for clearer regulations around emissions, fuel supply, and waste management. These regulatory barriers are often compounded by the need to align with local and global frameworks.
Workshopping the issues
The viewpoints shared by the panelists served as appetizers for the three parallel round table workshops, which followed the discussion panel. The workshops were led by by Linda Styhre & Elin Malmgren (IVL – Swedish Environmental Institute), Gunnar Platz (PLANCO Consulting) and Maciej Brzozowski (Port of Hamburg Marketing).
In total 70 participants discussed ports actual and future role in the European transport system. One thing became clear: Complexity and ports’ range of tasks have grown significantly. Ports are strategic geopolitical asset for Europe, a crucial pillar of Europe’s supply chain sovereignty and enabler of the energy transition.
At the same time efforts to keep (cyber) security and infrastructure at a sufficient level require even closer cooperation, massive investments and respective support on governmental level. Fundig schemes need to be updated and also consider the traditional role of ports to keep Europe independent and competitive, as the latter, viewed in international context, is crucial for the European economy.
The session concluded with clearly recognising the urgency required to move towards sustainable energy hubs in ports. Participants highlighted the importance of collaboration, adequate funding, and regulatory clarity in overcoming the challenges associated with the energy transition.
Ports must continue to evolve, ensuring that sustainability goals align with their business needs while maintaining resilience in their traditional roles. Overall, the session reinforced the view that while the challenges are significant, the opportunities for ports to become sustainable energy hubs are substantial, provided that stakeholders work together to address infrastructure, regulatory, and financial issues.
The BANOS train kept rolling on
The second day of the event was even more packed and the Blue Supply Chains representatives present had a plethora of choices when it came to which workshops to dive into. In the end we decided to dip in and out of the various sessions to learn more about the BANOS initiative and other projects.
Second day’s workshops covered topics related to:
- Maritime spatial planning foresight
- Sustainable Blue Economy partnerships
- Education youth for innovation and sustainable Blue Economy
- Tools for multi-level governance
- … and many, many more!
Full event agenda can be viewed here.
The Blue Supply Chains project would like to thank the organizers for giving us the opportunity to contribute to the event and meet our counterparts from other EU initiatives. It has been an intense, yet very informative time and we were blown away by the level of enthusiasm and engagement everyone brought to the table.
As always, you can find more info, pictures and other news on the BSC LinkedIn profile.
Co-funded by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme, the Blue Supply Chains project is helping to drive the transition towards a green and resilient Baltic Sea Region.
The EU-Japan Centre, a non-for-profit organization funded by the European Union, invites to the event targeting EU enterprises active in the green sectors and interested to exhibit in Japan within a joint booth.
A call for applications is currently open for EU companies and their subsidiaries in Japan and Asia developing solutions related to decarbonisation, energy production and energy efficiency.
Get a chance to showcase your company at the Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition, one of Japan’s leading international events in the sectors of energy and decarbonisation, taking place from 18–20 June 2025 in Tokyo.
What to expect?
– Meet the international divisions of major Japanese companies
– Connect with industry leaders and government representatives from across Asia and beyond
Event: Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition (https://www.japanenergyevent.com/)
Dates: 18-20 June 2025
Application deadline: 11 May 2025 at 23:59 (JST)
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo, Japan)
Contents: participation with the EU-Japan Centre will provide selected EU companies with the following elements:
– Individual display stand at the EU-Japan Centre’s booth
– Translation of poster and company profile, as well as printing of the poster for the exhibition
– Pitching slot at the trade fair’s Climatetech Theatre on 18 June 2025
– Support by the EU-Japan Centre staff and professional interpreters throughout the event
Costs:
Participation is free of charge for EU small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their subsidiaries in Japan or other countries. (A participation fee of ¥80,000 will be charged for large companies only).
All participants are responsible for covering the following expenses: flights to/from Japan, accommodation and living expenses in Japan.
Apply now if you are an EU company interested in working with Japanese partners in Japan and across Asia.
More information about the call and to apply: Join the EU-Japan Centre’s booth at the Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition.
Klaipėda Science and Technology Park has engaged in a partnership with the 9th CASSINI Hackathon which is set to take place at Vilnius Tech from May 16 to May 18, 2025. This year’s theme, “Space for Healthcare,” invites innovators passionate about enhancing healthcare and public health to tackle pressing challenges using space technology.
Participants will leverage data from the Copernicus Earth Observation Programme, the Galileo Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) to develop groundbreaking solutions for the following challenges:
Monitoring Disease Outbreaks and Health Risks: Utilize space data (e.g. Copernicus and Galileo datasets) to predict and monitor health threats, whether disease vectors or environmental change to predict public health risks, and more.
Smart Emergency Healthcare Delivery: Enhance emergency response through innovative delivery systems.
Mental Health and Well-Being: Develop tools to assess and improve mental health influenced by environmental factors.
Prizes & Mentorship
The hackathon offers participants the opportunity to present their solutions and compete for cash prizes and mentorship. At the European level, the top three teams will share a total of €9,000 in cash prizes:
- 1st place: €5,000
- 2nd place: €3,000
- 3rd place: €1,000)
Top teams will also gain access to the CASSINI Mentoring program—a six-month mentorship initiative designed to transform hackathon projects into successful businesses.
Registration Details
Deadline: May 11, 2025. Register at: https://www.cassini.eu/hackathons/lithuania.
Join us in revolutionizing healthcare through space technology. Register now to be part of this transformative event!
Organizers
The CASSINI Hackathon in Lithuania is organized by Baltic Sandbox, a startup accelerator committed to transforming Lithuania and the Baltic region into a vibrant startup and innovation hub.
Partners and sponsors of the event
Vilnius Tech, BSV Ventures, Brite, FTMC, Startup Lithuania, Sunrise Tech Park, LSMU, Klaipėda Science and Technology Park, Innovation Agency, ESA BIC Lithuania, University of Latvia, VU Faculty of Medicine, Delta Biosciences.
♻️ Towards circular packaging: innovation, collaboration, and sustainability across the South Baltic region
🌍 Welcome to BePacMan – a cross-border mission to change the future of paper packaging
The BePacMan project brings together partners from five countries around the South Baltic region to rethink the way we use and reuse paper packaging. With paper packaging consumption on the rise, and climate goals becoming more ambitious, there’s an urgent need for smarter, circular solutions.
BePacMan focuses on extending the lifecycle of paper packaging through innovative, cross-sectoral approaches. By engaging industries such as logistics, trade, waste management, and technology, the project aims to create sustainable business models that support reuse, reduce CO₂ emissions, and cut down energy and water usage associated with recycling.
From Poland to Denmark, our goal is shared: supporting the transition from a linear to a circular economy, aligned with EU climate strategies and the Circular Economy Action Plan. With joint efforts, we’re turning challenges into opportunities – for the environment, for businesses, and for future generations.
🚀 Kick-Off Meeting at Gdańsk University of Technology
At BePacMan – Better Paper Packaging Management, we’re on a mission to innovate how paper packaging is used, reused, and reimagined – making it smarter, more circular, and environmentally responsible. 🌍
Our journey officially began with a Kick-Off Meeting at Gdańsk University of Technology, where partners from Poland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Lithuania came together to shape the foundation of the project.
The meeting marked a key milestone, filled with energy and ambition. The agenda included:
🔹 Strategic planning on project management and communication
🔹 In-depth sessions on sustainability and circular economy work packages
🔹 A strong sense of collaboration, shared purpose, and cross-border commitment
This first gathering set a positive tone for everything we aim to achieve: real, lasting solutions for more sustainable paper packaging across the South Baltic region.
Stay tuned as we continue this journey – with insights, progress, and innovations coming your way!
BePacMan kicks off in Gdańsk!
♻️ More Recycled, More CO₂? The Surprising Truth About Cardboard Production ♻️
Sustainability often comes with trade-offs. When it comes to cardboard, the choice between recycled vs. virgin fibers isn’t as obvious as it seems.
🔎 Here’s a fact that might surprise you:
– Virgin Cardboard (Kraftliner) – producing 1 kg of kraftliner emits 0.5 kg CO₂.
– Recycled Cardboard (Testliner) – producing 1 kg of testliner emits 0.75 kg CO₂.
Wait… recycled cardboard generates more CO₂ than virgin cardboard? 🤯
Yes—but here’s why it still matters:
✅ Recycling saves up to 40% energy compared to making cardboard from raw wood.
✅ It reduces landfill waste and extends the life cycle of fibers.
✅ It plays a key role in closing the loop on materials and reducing deforestation.
📌 Sustainability isn’t just about lowering emissions—it’s about the bigger picture. Balancing emissions, energy use, and resource conservation is key to truly responsible packaging.
At BePacMan, we focus on data-driven decisions for smarter packaging. Because sustainability isn’t black and white—it’s about making informed, conscious choices.
Partner meeting in Copenhagen!
The BePacMan Project gathered momentum with a vibrant partner meeting and study visit in Copenhagen, bringing together experts and organizations from Poland, Germany, Denmark, and Lithuania.
The focus? Finding smart, circular solutions to extend the life of paper packaging in e-commerce and reduce waste across the South Baltic region.
With support from the Interreg South Baltic Programme, the project is building cross-sector strategies that promote reuse, lower CO₂ emissions, and bring circular packaging closer to reality.
💡 During the visit, partners explored sustainable innovations at KLS PurePrint A/S, an environmentally conscious printing house that develops and produces eco-friendly paper packaging.
They also met with the creative minds at RE-ZIP, pioneers in reusable e-commerce packaging, who shared their journey and practical insights into building a circular business model.
📦 What’s next? Developing a cross-border model for reusable paper packaging – and turning ideas into action.
BePacMan on the move
Kraftliner vs. Testliner: What’s in a Name? 📦♻️
When it comes to cardboard packaging, not all materials are created equal. You’ve probably heard of kraftliner and testliner, but do you know what sets them apart? 🤔
🔎 Kraftliner (from the German kraft, meaning “strength”)
✅ Made mostly from virgin fibers (fresh wood pulp)
✅ Stronger, more resistant to moisture and tearing
✅ Ideal for heavy-duty packaging and longer reuse cycles
❌ Requires more raw material (trees)
🔎 Testliner (from the German test, referring to its development as a cost-effective alternative)
✅ Made primarily from recycled fibers
✅ More eco-friendly, helping to reduce deforestation
✅ Perfect for lightweight packaging and cost-sensitive solutions
❌ Slightly weaker than kraftliner, especially in humid conditions
📌 So, which one is better?
The answer depends on your priorities. If you need durability, kraftliner is the way to go. If you prioritize sustainability, testliner is your best bet.
At BePacMan, we help businesses make informed, responsible packaging choices that balance strength, sustainability, and cost. Because packaging isn’t just about boxes—it’s about the bigger picture. 🌍
Stay tuned for more updates from the BePacMan project!
Follow us on LinkedIn to stay connected and see how we’re driving circular change across the South Baltic region. ♻️🌍
BePacMan Project
The BePacMan project is co-funded by the European Union
The Blue Supply Chains (BSC) promotional tour of 2025 kicked off with the visit to the beautiful coastal city of Gdynia, Poland. On 18 March 2025 the BSC project representatives entered the premises of Gdynia’s Pomeranian Science and Technology Park, as the Transport Week 2025 Conference welcomed its participants.
Aside from the main event programme, packed to the brim with presentations and discussion panels covering a wide plethora of topics, ranging from EU’s current position on the world stage, through port sector investment showcases to all-thing electrification in the maritime sector, the BSC crew had some additional plans involving fostering cooperation with other EU funded projects.
Spreading the word
Naturally, the main conference programme itself could not do without a BSC accent or two. A number of our representatives delivered presentations and spoke during discussion panels on both days of the event, offering insights into the role electrification can play in decarbonising the maritime sector.
Andrius Sutnikas, speaking on behalf of the Klaipeda Science and Technology Park, joined the panel on “Cross-industry cooperation as the basis for the electrification of the supply chain”. He stressed the need for ports to focus more on how to balance securing the necessary energy supply and maintaining logistics. Future energy prices and infrastructure availability may pose a challenge in terms of ports’ competitiveness and the overall pace of progress of the port electrification process.
Hanno Bromeis, representing the Hamburg Port Authority, talked about three key technical challenges for OPS implementation: availability of power/grid strength, service area/positioning of cables and quay wall situation/lateral space. He also presented the technical overview of the OPS solution at the Tollerort Terminal (CTT), Eurogate Terminal (CTH) and Burchardkai (CTB). Commercial challenges were also mentioned in Hanno’s speach, as fossil fuel prices still make OPS a hard sell.
During the discussion panel on “Cross-industry cooperation as the basis for the electrification of the supply chain,” Jan Jarmakowski, sporting the colors of the Gdynia Container Terminal (GCT), mentioned his company’s participation in the BSC project. The terminal’s task is to promote the idea of modernizing existing, well-functioning transshipment equipment in ports, towards improving energy efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions, or noise emissions. He also expressed hope that more and more operators will follow a similar path.
Ernest Czermański, flying the banner of the University of Gdańsk, during the panel on “Many faces of port operations’ electrification – it’s not just about OPS”, suggested that incentives are much better than obligations when trying to motivate the industry to electrify. Technology is developing at an increasingly rapid pace – in order to match it, ports could form energy communities with municipalities they are located in and engage in cooperation focused on energy production, serving as a possible incentive to invest in the electrification process.
A tale of three projects
The spirit of cooperation, of benefiting from each other’s knowledge and experience, lies at the heart of the EU funding programmes. Many of the projects deal with various aspects of similar, overarching issues, one of them being decarbonisation.
Seizing the opportunity presenting itself during the Transport Week in Gdynia, one of our fellow projects – DigiTechPort2030 – invited us, along with the DeCoInter project, to a joint meeting, hopefully serving as the steppingstone for further cooperation between the three partner consortiums.
All three of the projects had the chance to hold three brief presentations, showcasing their core planned outcomes and activities. There is a lot of synergy that can be tapped into, and the gathered participants were eager to see just how much we can accomplish when working together.
Into the maze
As with any proper first date, the meeting of the three projects had to involve some sort of exciting activity to tell your friends about. In our case, the excitement was provided by our colleagues at the Gdynia Container Terminal (GCT), another BSC partner.
The GCT crew was kind enough to invite us for a study visit, showing off their yards in the midst of action (as if action ever stops on a container terminal!). We boarded a bus and were then thrust into the maze of stacked “boxes”, as containers are often referred to by the industry professionals, accompanied by the soothing voice of our guide, Mikołaj Magiełka, GCT’s Commercial Manager.
While not one of the biggest container terminals out there, it is definitely among the busier ones – it was a great experience to witness how Mikołaj and his colleagues approach the challenges posed by limited space and maximize their operational efficiency by utilizing every possible inch of yard capacity at their disposal.
Operational optimization is not the only thing the GCT crew cares deeply about. They also take the issue of environmental responsibility very seriously. As part of the Blue Supply Chains project, they plan to further the retrofitting process of their RTG cranes, switching to electric power.
During the Transport Week conference, Mikołaj also spoke about GCT’s current plans, including the dismantling of the 500 kW diesel engines with power generator, installation of 15/0.4 kV transformers along with 15 kV power cables on cable reels, equipment of the cranes with 90kW diesel auxiliary generators for use in emergency situations, and reducing the annual diesel consumption to 20,000 instead of the 420,000 liters, as well as decreasing the CO2 emissions by approx. 1 mln kg per year.
The BSC project would like to thank the Transport Week organizers and all of the project partners we had the chance to talk shop with during these past few days. The year has just started but it is already looking very promising!
Co-funded by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme, the Blue Supply Chains project is helping to drive the transition towards a green and resilient Baltic Sea Region.
Klaipėda Science and Technology Park will be part of the Blue Bio Techpreneurs (BBT) Baltic Hackathon, hosted in Borucino, Poland, from 6th to 8th June 2025. Together with the Polish start-up, we will present a joint challenge exploring the possibilities to establish regenerative ocean farming utilizing the Baltic offshore wind farms.
We invite students and young researchers to join the hackathon, tackle the challenges of the Blue Bioeconomy, co-create innovative solutions, get mentored by industry experts, and compete for great prizes.
The hackathon is open to students (primarily Master’s and PhD students, however Bachelor students are also encouraged to apply) enrolled in European universities, irrespective of their nationality (please, be aware of your visa status). Participants can come from various disciplines such as marine or natural sciences, as well as environmental economics, design, technology, programming, business or biology, and more.
All applicants who are interested in working in the blue biotech sector or want to find out if they have potential are invited to apply.
From navigating market access and the complexity of aquaculture products to pioneering new technology for marine sectors, these challenges are real and serious issues that need your inspiration and ideas to become reality!
Registration for participants is open until 4th of April, 17:00 CET. Apply here: https://bluebiotechpreneurs.eu/baltic-hackathon/.
More about the hackathon: BBT Baltic Hackathon 2025.
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
