An important phase of the fieldwork for the BALTWRECK project, carried out on board the research vessel RV ALKOR, has now been completed.
The collected data provided valuable information on the technical condition of the investigated wrecks and their potential impact on the Baltic Sea environment. The survey covered wrecks of significant environmental importance: Torpedoboat T34, Destroyer Z28, Minesweeper M14, Wreck 231123, Submarine W19, Submarine U-768, Stuttgart, Franken, Elbing IX, and Sizilien. During the expedition, a comprehensive research programme was carried out, including: - detailed mapping of the seabed and wreck structures - inspections using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) - oceanographic measurements (CTD) - collection of water, sediment, and marine organism samples - visual documentation and geophysical measurements
An important part of the voyage also included port visits in Klaipėda and Gdynia, which provided a valuable space for exchanging experiences and discussing the monitoring and management of environmental risks related to wrecks resting on the seabed.
The attached video features footage from selected wrecks examined during the expedition.
The association is in good shape – positive evaluation and stable finances
At the most recent meeting of the Audit Committee, held on March 30 of this year, a review of the Association’s Board of Directors’ activities for 2025 was conducted. Based on the substantive and financial reports, the Board’s performance was evaluated very positively - particularly with regard to the diligent fulfillment of its assigned duties.
The financial news is particularly good. An analysis of the implementation of the revenue and expenditure plan revealed a significant surplus, which confirms the Association’s stable and secure financial position and provides a solid foundation for further development.
During the meeting, the implementation of resolutions adopted in 2025, the current status of membership dues for 2026, and ongoing project and non-project activities were also discussed.
The Committee also began preparations for the 55th General Meeting of Members by drafting resolutions regarding the granting of discharge to the Board and the approval of the financial report for the past year.
Ahead of us are preparations for the 55th General Meeting of Members, which will take place on April 20 of this year in Bartoszyce and will be hosted by Bartoszyce County.
A week dedicated to the CONE project
We’ve just held an important meeting regarding the implementation of the pilot project in Tolkmicko
On March 27 and 30, 2026, meetings were held regarding the implementation of the CONE project.
On March 27, we met with representatives of the Association, Gdańsk University of Technology, and the Tolkmicko City and Municipality Office to refine the concept for building rain gardens and a stormwater management system.
What are we planning?
combating urban sprawl
reducing urban heat islands
more greenery in public spaces
initiatives involving residents
supporting biodiversity
The project involves the use of nature-based solutions (NBS) and collaboration with residents in a “living lab” format.
We are working for a greener and more climate-resilient Tolkmicko!
On March 30, 2026, a meeting of the entire project consortium took place. During the meeting, the activities carried out so far were summarized, the current status of the work was discussed, and directions for the further implementation of the project were set.
Recruitment for the position of Director of the Euroregion Baltic EGTC
The European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) Euroregion Baltic is accepting applications for the position of Director of the EGTC Euroregion Baltic. We encourage you to apply!
The next phase of the ALKOR research cruise as part of the BALTWRECK project
On March 30, during a stopover in Gdynia, a research cruise dedicated to the exploration of the Stuttgart wreck took place
The event was attended by representatives of key institutions involved in marine environmental protection and environmental risk management, including the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection, the Chief Inspectorate of Sea Fisheries, the Marshal’s Office of the Pomeranian Province, the City of Gdynia, the Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and BALTWRECK project partners who did not participate in the entire expedition
During the meeting, the project’s objectives and the results of research to date on wrecks lying on the bottom of the Baltic Sea were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the risks associated with potential leaks of fuel and other hazardous substances, as well as methods for monitoring the condition of the wrecks.
Participants also had the opportunity to learn about the scope of work conducted during the cruise, including seabed mapping, water and sediment sampling, and environmental analyses
In the coming days, the expedition will continue to study additional sites in the Baltic Sea, providing data necessary to develop effective methods for managing wrecks that constitute a potential source of pollution.
The Baltwreck Project - Research Cruise
The voyage of the research vessel RV ALKOR began in Kiel on March 14. The expedition aims to investigate shipwrecks in the Baltic Sea for environmental hazards, primarily fuel leaks and substances from munitions.
Yesterday, the vessel called at the port of Klaipėda, where a meeting was held on board with representatives of Lithuanian institutions involved in marine environmental protection. It was an opportunity to present the project’s objectives, the scope of the research being conducted, and to exchange experiences
As part of the voyage, detailed work is being conducted, including seabed mapping, the use of underwater vehicles (AUVs and ROVs), as well as the collection of water, sediment, and marine organism samples. Some of the analyses are performed on board in real time, allowing for the rapid determination of the extent of contamination.
In the subsequent stages of the expedition, surveys of additional wrecks in the waters of Poland and Lithuania are planned, including those containing fuel and hazardous materials. The collected data will be used to assess environmental risks and support the development of effective methods for monitoring and managing such wrecks in the Baltic Sea region.
