The First Ladies of Lithuania and Estonia inaugurated a new vessel at the Port of KlaipÄ—da

On Thursday in Klaipėda, First Lady Diana Nausėdienė, together with Estonia's First Lady Sirje Karis, attended the inauguration ceremony of the new eco-friendly, hydrogen- and electricity-powered vessel Rasa at the Port of Klaipėda.

The First Lady of Lithuania thanked the First Lady of Estonia, Sirje Karis, for taking part in the ceremony, noting that Rasa is a meaningful symbol of Lithuanian-Estonian cooperation.

"This vessel is yet another tangible example of how the partnership between Lithuania and Estonia enables us to implement ambitious projects. The construction of Rasa began in Klaipėda at a company with Estonian capital and was completed in Tallinn. Today, we can once again affirm that our countries are united not only by the Baltic Sea, but also by shared interests, values, and the aspiration to build a progressive, secure, and competitive Baltic region," Diana Nausėdienė said.

The First Lady of Lithuania emphasized that, while welcoming the growing volume of maritime traffic and the increasing flow of passengers and cargo through the Port of Klaipėda, it is equally important to recognize the fragility and vulnerability of the Baltic Sea ecosystem.

"Although the condition of the sea has improved in some respects over recent decades, it remains one of the world's most heavily affected and polluted seas. That is why every step we take together with like-minded partners and the international community to protect and restore our Baltic Sea, and to reduce shipping-related pollution, is of the utmost importance," Diana Nausėdienė said.

The First Lady noted that the name Rasa perfectly reflects both the vessel's defining feature - leaving no carbon footprint - and its noble mission: while emitting only water vapor, it will help clean the waters of the Klaipėda seaport and improve the living environment for the city's residents.

"I congratulate the Port of Klaipėda, as Rasa is the first vessel of its kind in the history of Lithuanian maritime transport - and the first of its kind in the entire Baltic Sea region. I wish you continued success in flying the flag of Klaipėda as a leader among green ports and in continuing along the path toward clean technologies," Diana Nausėdienė said.

The First Lady congratulated everyone whose seamless cooperation contributed to building Rasa - scientists, engineers, shipbuilders, the maritime community, partners, and all the institutions involved. She wished Rasa, her captain and her crew safe voyages, reliable service, and fair winds.