“Victory,” “Future,” and “Drive” – these were the names of the three women’s crews from the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority who set off on an entertainment-orienteering rally. Along the coastal roads, they faced not only kilometers and slalom elements but also the search for geographical, historical, and unexpected objects, working with maps, route books, and tasks.
These are competitions where speed is important, but it alone is not enough. Victory can be determined by accuracy, concentration, good team communication, and the ability not to get lost when one task changes to another and time presses harder and harder. One of the rally stages also ran through the Cruise Ship Terminal – a place where the Klaipėda port teams could feel right at home.
“For me, participating in the Women’s Rally means the opportunity to show that women can be brave, technologically curious, and unafraid of innovation – both in life and behind the wheel,” shared Kristina Juršienė, the Port Authority’s measurement database engineer, about what it means to take part in such races.
For most members of the Port Authority crews, this was already their second race. Last year’s experience helped them better understand the rhythm of the competition.
“Last year was my first time participating in the women’s rally, and that experience really hooked me. I was the driver then. There was a lot of excitement, thrill, surprises, but most importantly – a wonderful team and great mood. This time it was a completely different experience – I returned to the rally as a passenger,” shared Ieva Rakauskienė, Head of Strategic Projects.
Diana Gerasimovienė, head of the Port Authority’s Sustainability and Environmental Protection Department, who participated in the competition for the first time, did not hide that the team took the race seriously.
“There are many strong competitors in the race, so we prepared to the maximum. The role of the navigator required a lot of attention, responsibility, and the ability to make quick decisions,” said Diana Gerasimovienė, who sat next to the driver.
Historic start – with a hydrogen car
The biggest news this year was the “Future” crew’s car. The team set off on the rally track with the first new hydrogen-powered car in Lithuania, a Toyota Mirai, whose tank was filled with green hydrogen produced right at the Klaipėda port.
Kristina Juršienė, the measurement database engineer who sat behind the wheel, called this start not only a sporting but also a symbolic experience.
“It was really interesting and intense competition, full of good emotions. The team was great – there was a true sense of unity and support all the time. The tasks were engaging – requiring concentration, quick reaction, and good teamwork. A memorable experience was driving the hydrogen car – it gave a different perspective on what driving in the future might look like,” said K. Juršienė.
A memorable experience was driving the hydrogen car – it gave a different perspective on what driving in the future might look like.
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Kornelija Butkutė, member of the “Future” crew and advisor to the general director, emphasized that this year the team brought not only sporting enthusiasm to the track but also a clear message about the port’s chosen direction.
“Pride was felt at all stages – from preparation to the finish. It was especially nice that this year we had the opportunity to set off on the track with the first new hydrogen-powered car in Lithuania, filled with green hydrogen produced right at the Klaipėda port. This shows others that Klaipėda port boldly follows the path of innovation, and it reminds us once again that we represent not only our team but also a place we believe in and are proud of,” said K. Butkutė.
Fuel produced at the port
Algis Latakas, General Director of the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority, said that the decision to form teams came after seeing that the “Women’s Challenge” is much more than a fight for seconds.
“The race takes on an entertainment aspect – not everyone fights just for seconds. We thought we should also form our own team, and when we started counting those who wanted to participate, it turned out that not everyone fit into one crew, so three were needed. This year’s novelty is the hydrogen car, and this is a novelty not only for our team but also for the race itself, as it was the first time a car powered by such fuel appeared,” said A. Latakas.
According to him, the hydrogen car on the track became visible proof that green technologies are no longer just a future plan.
“April 27 was truly the beginning of a new era in Lithuania – the first small batch of green hydrogen was produced. We already use our car, and it is refilled at our station, and for this race, its tank was also filled at the Klaipėda port. Our goal is for people to see, become interested, and think that maybe they too should choose very green fuels,” said the Port Authority director.
We already use our car, and it is refilled at our station, and for this race, its tank was also filled at the Klaipėda port.
Runs without a pollution footprint
Algis Latakas, who often sits behind the wheel of the hydrogen-powered car, shares that it drives similarly to an electric car – quietly, smoothly, and without the usual sound of an internal combustion engine.
“The car runs very quietly, and if you drive gently, you practically hear nothing. It accelerates well, is comfortable, stable, and pleasantly manageable. Even more importantly, you know that water comes out of the exhaust pipe, and no substances typical for a conventional car are emitted into the environment,” said A. Latakas.
This start of the hydrogen car in the rally became another sign that the ideas of green hydrogen at the Klaipėda port are already turning into real solutions. In June, the first green hydrogen production and refueling station in Lithuania was opened at the port, intended for passenger cars, heavy transport, and port equipment. This summer, the port fleet was also supplemented by the waste collection vessel “Rasa,” powered by green hydrogen and electricity – one of the first such vessels in the world.
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