Port of Hamburg and Port of Klaipeda in Lithuania have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed to further strengthen the cooperation between the two European gateways.

The agreement ⁠— signed on May 5 ⁠— noted that in the future, the Port of Hamburg and the Port of Klaipeda in Lithuania, as well as the transport industries based there, will aim to cooperate by exchanging transport market-related data, to promote the transport corridors between their markets with joint marketing activities, and in implementing logistics projects. 

“Lithuania is a significant partner for the Port of Hamburg’s seaborne cargo throughput and important to sea and land transport services. The entire Baltic region is of immense importance for the Port of Hamburg. We are delighted by the Lithuanian side’s great interest in stepping up our exchange and cooperation between the two ports,” said Axel Mattern, Joint CEO of Port of Hamburg Marketing.

Port of Hamburg noted that maritime connections between Lithuanian and German ports, as well as port-serving railway infrastructure, are “critical components” of international logistics chains, gaining even greater significance in today’s geopolitical context. 

“There is a lot of potential for improving transportation connections between the two regions, strengthening our economic links, attracting more freight flows, cooperating on various projects, and exchanging best practices in the application of the most advanced technologies,” said Marius Skuodis, minister of transport and communications of the Republic of Lithuania. 

The minister invited German companies to participate in the construction of an offshore wind farm near Klaipėda and use the opportunities provided by the port of Klaipėda, as well as take part in the development of the southern part of the Port of Klaipėda.

Cooperation in digitalization, LNG 

“Lithuania offers great potential for closer cooperation with the Port of Hamburg,” says Marina Basso Michael, HHM’s Regional Director - Europe. The closer cooperation agreed upon today also opens up numerous additional opportunities for the Hamburg Metropolitan Region since the largest Baltic state has a vibrant start-up scene and is among the pioneers of digitalization.

Michael Westhagemann, Hamburg’s Senator of Economics and Innovation, sees great potential for economic cooperation, especially in the industrial and port sector.

“All European countries confront the same challenge. We must observe climate targets, adapt our energy supply to renewable energies, make ourselves independent of imported energy from Russia, and organize the market launch of a hydrogen economy. Lithuania can prove to be a vital and valuable partner in these areas,” Westhagemann said, noting that Klaipėda opened its first LNG - Liquefied Natural Gas - Terminal back in 2014.

In Hamburg, shore-based power supply will be in place for all terminals by 2024.

Lithuania welcomed the strengthening of cooperation with Hamburg and its port. 

“This cooperation will contribute to strengthening the Lithuanian maritime sector and building up know-how in a series of essential business areas, such as market expansion, environmental protection, utilization of renewable energy sources, etc,” said Algis Latakas,  port director.