A Memorandum of Understanding between Latvian and German public and private partners was signed in Hamburg this week with the aim to promote cooperation and digital innovation in the field of maritime technology, as well as to outline new trends in port infrastructure management.

The MoU was signed by LMT, a leading Latvian telecommunications and technology company, the Freeport of Riga, the Port of Hamburg, SIA “Elektroniskie sakari”, the Port of Hamburg Fleet and LVR Flote, in the presence of Mr Jurgis Miezainis, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia and Ms Melanie Leonhard, Senator for Economics and Innovation of Hamburg.

“I am proud of this important step in Latvian-German cooperation. By addressing the common challenges in the Baltic Sea with digital innovations in maritime technology, we are not only strengthening economic ties between the two countries but also setting a precedent for collective action on important issues affecting the common future of maritime affairs,” said Viktors Valainis, Minister of Economy of Latvia.

By signing the MoU the main objectives in the field of maritime technology innovation are being set – to find answers to today’s challenges in the port and maritime sectors, and to develop practical digital solutions, leading to a joint proof-of-concept demonstration.

The MoU foresees the establishment of several working groups: the Port Connectivity Working Group will focus on the deployment of mobile network infrastructure, including 5G private networks, while the Smart Infrastructure and Cyber Security Working Group will focus on smart infrastructure monitoring, AI-driven analytics and cyber security.

To date, experts from both countries have already met in the first working sessions, where key activities and issues have been outlined. It is planned that teams from both sides will work together in the future to develop detailed work plans and start coordinating pilot projects. The working groups’ activities will be supervised by Lennart Kinau, Head of Strategy and External Relations at the Hamburg Port Authority, and the LMT Innovation Development team.

“Such expert working groups are a practical step towards addressing common challenges in port infrastructure management and digital innovation. Our goal is clear: to move forward with state-of-the-art technological solutions that meet the strategic needs of all stakeholders. As a port technical service provider, it is important for us to focus on practical digital solutions that ensure the efficiency of our work,” said Kaspars Ozoliņš, Member of the Board of LVR Flote, the capital company of the Freeport of Riga Authority, at the signing of the Memorandum.

“Ports are a critical part of national and international infrastructure. The introduction of new technologies in ports is equally important, not only to strengthen safety, security and defence, but also to increase efficiency and adaptability to future requirements. LMT has been working on maritime connectivity solutions for several years, for which we have won the prestigious International Association of Ports (IAPH) Sustainability Award in the ‘Digitalisation’ category. This is the future of port management, with the ports of Hamburg and Riga leading the way,” said Ingmārs Pūķis, Vice President of LMT

Latvian and German partners have a long history of cooperation in the port sector. A new focus in this cooperation was marked by the visit of Melanie Leonhard, Senator for Economics and Innovation of Hamburg, to Riga in early 2024, which laid the foundation for extensive cooperation specifically in the field of digitalisation and innovation. In spring 2024, a Latvian delegation travelled to Hamburg to present solutions in port digitalisation practices. In the summer of the same year, representatives from the ports of Hamburg and Lübeck took part in a 5G maritime connectivity demonstration in the port of Riga, organised by LMT, LVR Flote and the Freeport of Riga.

The Port of Hamburg is one of the most important and largest ports in Europe. It is also one of the central logistics and trade hubs in Europe.

The event is organised by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia within the Innovative Business Development Programme for Small and Medium Enterprises with the support of the European Regional Development Fund