Vilnius Tech Lithuanian Maritime Academy (LJA) is developing a completely new field of underwater robotics in the country, which will open up wide opportunities for the development of the maritime industry, energy sector, and scientific research. The core of competence development will focus on research, testing, prototyping, and operation of underwater drones.

According to Dr. Justas Zaglinskis, the Vice Dean for Science and Infrastructure at LJA, underwater robotic devices are very important elements of the maritime industry, primarily allowing for the optimization of underwater operations and ensuring their safety. However, the use of underwater drones and expertise in these technologies is still limited in Lithuania.

To fill this gap, LJA is creating an underwater scientific and training base with new simulators, which is planned to acquire a new unmanned surface vehicle (USV) in 2025. Currently, LJA already has a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), mainly used for inspecting underwater objects and performing small tasks. The latter involves surface cleaning through mechanical or water flow methods, cutting cables, raising and transporting objects, and others.

"Meanwhile, AUV-type drones are most often used for bathymetric measurements, i.e., creating a seabed topography and detecting objects on the seabed. USV-type drones can perform the same functions as AUV drones, but it’s advance is in operating conditions, they can also carry out measurements, monitoring, and video surveillance on the water surface," says Associate Professor Dr. J. Zaglinskis.

LJA has recently submitted several project proposals for scientific research and the creation of competence centers. This should allow for broader research and testing activities in underwater robotics in a testing polygon.

Together with Delft University, the Technical University of Munich, and other universities, LJA has also submitted a project proposal to improve the efficiency of underwater ordnance detection and disposal processes using unmanned vehicles.

"By integrating new technologies, we aim to create a science attraction center and, at the same time, expand the range of training services. We want to ensure the preparation of specialists, of whom there are virtually none in Lithuania," shares the scientist.

The demand for marine energy specialists will significantly increase when a new offshore wind farm project is implemented in Lithuania's territorial waters. Currently, "Ignitis Renewables" is constructing a 700 megawatt (MW) offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea, which could generate about 3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of green electricity per year, enough to cover a quarter of Lithuania's current electricity demand.

"By 2030, the country's energy sector will need about 2,500 employees, of whom 1,500 will be in the marine energy field. The largest market player, 'Ignitis Group,' will employ a significant number of specialists from various fields, who and I am sure will contribute to the Group's main goal – creating a 100% green and safe energy ecosystem for current and future generations."

Specialists will be needed during project operation and technical maintenance stages. This includes experts in mechanics, civil and electrical engineering, underwater cable specialists, marine equipment engineers, and many others, says Darius Maikstenas, CEO of "Ignitis Group."

LJA is actively responding to market changes and striving to meet business needs. In order to contribute to the country's and region's energy security, the preparation of the field specialists is essential. Therefore, a new accredited study program in "Marine Wind Turbine Engineering" will be created, in which underwater robotics will be an important element.

"Graduates of this and related study programs will be highly sought after in the national and global marine energy labor markets. The competencies of graduates related to underwater robotics will help them remain competitive in the labor market," says Dr. J. Zaglinskis.