Activities under the “MarTe: Marine Technology Excellence Centre for a Sustainable Blue Economy in the Baltic Sea” project are continuing across the Baltic Sea region, identifying and evaluating marine technologies for testing, implementation and adaptation to the specific needs of the Baltic Sea region. The Freeport of Ventspils Authority is one of the project partners.
For many years, ports in the Baltic Sea region have relied mainly on transit cargo. Geopolitical challenges and the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy solutions are encouraging ports to explore new areas for development.
The Freeport of Ventspils Authority sees the port of the future as a multifunctional hub—an energy hub, a site for the production and refuelling of alternative fuels, a ship bunkering facility, and a centre for testing and developing new technologies. This development direction is aligned with the objectives of the “MarTe” project to advance renewable energy, offshore wind farm servicing, solar energy production and the hydrogen economy. It allows existing port infrastructure to be used for new purposes and strengthens the role of the port of Ventspils in developing a sustainable blue economy.
So far, more than 50 marine technologies have been identified within the project and compared and assessed according to their relevance and readiness for implementation. These include solutions for smart ports, greener maritime transport, autonomous technologies, environmental monitoring and digital tools, as well as sustainable aquaculture and the development of offshore renewable energy.
As part of the project, the Freeport of Ventspils Authority is evaluating the latest marine technologies, including autonomous and hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicles that can be used for environmental monitoring and other tasks. Solutions are also being explored for using by-products of hydrogen production in aquaculture and the circular economy.
In addition, the Freeport of Ventspils Authority is developing a Research and Innovation (R&I) Strategy that will define priority areas for the future development of the Freeport of Ventspils. Based on this strategy, future development plans are being prepared, along with a business model concept for a technology transfer centre focused on the blue economy and sustainable energy technologies.
The lead partner of the project is the Estonian Environmental Investment Centre (Sihtasutus Keskkonnainvesteeringute Keskus). The total project budget is EUR 4,999,822.50, of which EUR 369,450 is allocated to the Freeport of Ventspils Authority. The project is being implemented from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2028.
