Hamburg and Klaipėda Strengthen Cooperation

On the occasion of the visit of the Lithuanian Minister of Transport and Communications, Dr. Marius Skuodis, Algis Latakas, Director of Klaipėda State Seaport Authority, and Axel Mattern, Executive Board Member of Hafen Hamburg Marketing e.V. (HHM), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on May 5th at the Hamburg City Hall to further deepen the cooperation between the two universal ports.

(Hamburg/Klaipeda) In the future, the Port of Hamburg and the Lithuanian Port of Klaipėda, along with the local transport industry, aim to exchange market-related information, promote transport corridors between the markets with joint marketing activities, and collaborate on the development and implementation of logistics projects. “Lithuania is a significant partner in the seaport handling of the Port of Hamburg and important for transit traffic by sea and land. The entire Baltic Sea region is of great importance to the Port of Hamburg. We are pleased about the strong interest from the Lithuanian side for a closer exchange and cooperation between the two ports,” said Axel Mattern, Executive Board Member of Hafen Hamburg Marketing.

Importance of Maritime Connections & Railway Infrastructures

The maritime connections between Lithuanian and German ports, as well as the railway infrastructure for the ports, are crucial components of international logistics chains that are becoming increasingly important in today’s geopolitical context. “There is great potential for improving transport connections, strengthening ties between countries, increasing freight flows, collaborating on various projects, and applying the latest technologies,” says Marius Skuodis, Minister of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania. Specifically, the minister invites German companies to participate in the construction of an offshore wind farm near Klaipėda and in the development of the southern part of the Port of Klaipėda by conducting studies and technical projects or executing contracts.

Maintaining Good Relations in the Transport and Logistics Sector

The Port of Hamburg has maintained good relations with its partner country Lithuania for years. Contacts with key institutions and decision-makers, such as the country office of the German-Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce in Vilnius and the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority, are a focus. Through collaborations in various EU projects, such as “Amber Coast Logistics” in 2014, “EMMA Extension” in 2021, or the German-Lithuanian Maritime Forum organized together with the Lithuanian Association of Port Companies in 2015, HHM has been strengthening the partnership, especially in the transport and logistics sector for years. There is also intensive collaboration with the cargo subsidiary of the Lithuanian Railways, with which a Memorandum of Understanding was already signed in September 2018. “Lithuania offers much potential for closer cooperation with the Port of Hamburg,” says Marina Basso Michael, Regional Director Europe at HHM. The closer cooperation decided today also opens many additional opportunities for the Hamburg Metropolitan Region, as the largest Baltic state has a strong start-up scene and is among the pioneers of digitalization.

Sustainability in Focus

Hamburg’s Economic Senator Michael Westhagemann sees great potential in economic cooperation, particularly in the areas of industry and ports. For example, one in ten lasers sold worldwide is “made in Lithuania.” The senator also sees opportunities for fruitful exchanges in the field of alternative energies. “All European countries face the same challenge. We must meet climate targets, transition our energy supply to renewable energies, become independent from fossil energy imports from Russia, and organize the market ramp-up of a hydrogen economy. In these areas, Lithuania can be an important and valuable partner.” In 2014, the first LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) terminal was opened in Klaipėda. Meanwhile, in Hamburg, the supply of all terminals with shore power will be ensured by 2024.

MOU as a Driver for New Partnerships

The Lithuanian delegation, consisting of a total of ten high-ranking representatives from the transport and logistics industry, welcomes the deepening of cooperation with Hamburg and the port very much. “This collaboration will contribute to strengthening the Lithuanian maritime sector and building competencies in a number of important business areas such as market expansion, environmental protection, the use of renewable energy sources, and more,” says Port Director Algis Latakas. Furthermore, he sees the declaration of intent as a platform for experts to expand the network of partners from both ports and to create and develop new ideas for the prosperity of the maritime economy.

The delegation is also interested in highlighting Lithuania’s strengths and positioning the Republic as an attractive industrial and investment location. In recent years, Lithuania’s economy has been able to grow despite the pandemic, particularly expanding in the areas of high-tech production, global services, and information and communication technology. The automotive sector is also gaining increasing recognition in the international market.

Photo: © Port of Hamburg / Caption: Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (from left to right): Michael Westhagemann, Economic Senator of Hamburg; Axel Mattern, Executive Board Member of Hafen Hamburg Marketing; Marina Basso Michael, Regional Director Europe at HHM; Algis Latakas, General Director of the Port of Klaipėda; and Marius Skuodis, Lithuania’s Minister of Transport and Communications.