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.
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.
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.
Synergy for the Baltic – Leaders of Port Projects Meet in Elbląg
On 24–25 March 2026, an international partner meeting of projects implemented under the Interreg South Baltic 2021–2027 programme took place in Elbląg. The event brought together partners from initiatives such as PortSHAZ, DigiTechPort2030, INCONE60 Green, and BaltWreck, all focused on the future of seaports in the region.
A particularly important role is played by the BaltWreck project, which—although primarily associated with underwater activities such as shipwreck investigations—has a much broader scope of impact. The project supports not only the protection of heritage and the environment beneath the sea surface, but also activities carried out on the water and within ports. This includes, among others, improving navigational safety, developing operational procedures, and strengthening cooperation between institutions responsible for maritime spatial management.
The remaining projects complement these efforts by advancing digital technologies, increasing port operational efficiency, and implementing environmentally sustainable solutions. What unites all these initiatives is a systemic approach—treating ports as complex ecosystems in which both underwater and surface-level activities are of critical importance.
The meeting in Elbląg confirmed that modern maritime projects, including BaltWreck, extend beyond the traditional framework of underwater research. Their outcomes are primarily visible in improved port operations, as well as enhanced safety and sustainable development across the Baltic Sea region.
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.
Study Visit to Brussels: “Camera! Action! Democracy!”
The study visit to Brussels organized for the winners of the “Camera! Action! Democracy!” competition was not only a meeting with the Commissioner’s Office—it was also an opportunity to experience the day-to-day workings of the European Parliament and to speak with MEP Michał Wawrykiewicz.
Participants asked about the effectiveness of the EP’s work, balancing a fulfilling career with family life, and the path to becoming an engaged politician.
At the end of the first day, participants from Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Lithuania took part in a lesson at the Parlamentarium.
