As part of its strategic initiative to digitise production and advance environmental sustainability, Tallinn Shipyard, one of BLRT REPAIR YARDS, owned by BLRT Grupp, in collaboration with MindChip, a spin-off of Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), has successfully developed and implemented an autonomous surface-cleaning robot for industrial use in ship repair operations.

A new generation of autonomous robotics is emerging – this type of robot can be deployed in any port or harbour, not only ensuring water surface cleanliness but also performing a wide range of autonomous operations such as environmental monitoring, data collection, or other custom tasks based on operational needs.

This is the first and only autonomous robot in the world specifically integrated into ship repair operations- purpose-built to perform reliably in the demanding conditions of a shipyard water basin. At present, it has no equivalent in the global ship repair industry.

“This is only the initial stage of our shipyard’s robotisation, aimed at replacing manual operations and enhancing environmental safety within the framework of a complex heavy industry,” commented Sergei Kravchenko, Chairman of the Management Board of Tallinn Shipyard.

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Key functionalities and technical specifications. The robot features a fully autonomous navigation system, allowing it to follow predefined routes within the shipyard basin and adapt them based on real-time sensor data.

Equipped with:

• detection systems for identifying petroleum products on the water surface,
• route correction tools using visual and radar-based input,
• specialised oil skimmer modules for pollution removal in case of emergency,
• a SOPEP-based system for preventive adsorption of pollutants,
• an automated chemical dispersant unit for breaking down heavy hydrocarbons (including fuel oil and diesel residues).

Additionally:

• a fully electric vessel, in line with the latest trends in green maritime technology,
• operates reliably in all weather conditions,
• capable of real-time data collection for predictive maintenance and process optimisation,
• supports manual override mode for enhanced flexibility in critical situations,
• plug-in ready, meaning additional modules or systems can be integrated in the future

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Strategic significance of the project. This project reflects the broader vision of BLRT Grupp, which continually invests in ship repair yards’ equipment and infrastructure to enhance their capabilities and competitiveness. The focus is on adopting innovative solutions and technologies that align with the evolving needs of the maritime industry,  particularly in fostering sustainability, safety, and efficiency.

The deployment of this robot demonstrates that robotic automation in heavy industry is not only feasible, but also highly effective for advancing sustainability and competitiveness. It stands as a clear example of how collaboration between industry and research can deliver unique, globally relevant solutions. More than a technological breakthrough, it’s a meaningful contribution to the international drive for green ship repair and industrial automation.

Developed with the support of KIK (Environmental Investment Centre) – Estonia’s driving force in green innovation – the MC4000 is a powerful step forward in how we care for our harbours and coastlines.

Meet the MC4000 https://youtu.be/AAxEYRYL7nA

Celebrating Women in Maritime aboard the future of shipping
 
After Tallinn, the journey continued- this time in Klaipeda, where the spotlight turned to the women from administrative departments across the WESTERN SHIPYARD GROUP.

As part of the International Day for Women in Maritime celebration, they stepped aboard the TRANS HAV, a multipurpose RoRo vessel of Sea-Cargo AS, currently undergoing a major transformation at BLRT Repair Yards Klaipeda, and is on its path toward a greener, more energy-efficient maritime future. Ladies had the rare chance to see that journey from the inside.

They met the crew, walked the decks, and heard firsthand from Ove Kvittingen, Head of Projects at Stödig Ship Management, about the vessel’s ongoing conversion. As a finishing touch, the Chief Cook welcomed them with a sweet treat- because even in ship repair, hospitality finds its way to the table.

What began as a visit became a shared moment of connection between people, between countries and places, between roles that keep this industry moving.
These moments remind us that the maritime world is full of potential and full of women ready to lead it.

As part of the celebration of the International Day for Women in Maritime, ladies from BLRT Grupp’s finance departments marked this special occasion with a special tour of BLRT Repair Yards Tallinn.

First stop: the ARUBABORG, a general cargo vessel of our long-time partner Royal Wagenborg, where PM Denis Karakin shared the details about the ongoing ship repair process.

Next stop: floating dock 22- a 180-meter giant and the newest addition to Tallinn Shipyard – where PM Aleksei Bogdanov introduced the offshore vessel VERITAS, technically managed by Tschudi Ship Management AS, currently under maintenance.

Though these women work with numbers, forecasts, and business plans every day, deeply involved in the business side of maritime, seeing the physical scale, complexity, and precision of ship repair in action brought something entirely new into focus: just how essential their role is to the world around them.

And to all the women shaping this industry: thank you for navigating it with confidence, care, and purpose!

MT Nordic, part of the ALBA TANKERS ApS fleet, underwent her scheduled class renewal at our Klaipeda yard. From hydrodynamic upgrades with a Mewis Duct and full propulsion system maintenance to 5,000 kg of steel renewal in ballast tanks, the work was detailed and done with care. We also carried out nitrogen system modifications and completed the full scope of class renewal tasks to ensure she was ready for the seas ahead.

Alba Tankers is a trusted name in the maritime world – an Owner and C/O of chemical and oil tankers. With a focus on vessels below 20,000 DWT, the company specializes in the transportation of petroleum products, chemicals, and vegetable oils.

Throughout our long-standing partnership with TS Laevad, BLRT Repair Yards Tallinn had the honour of servicing their fleet of ferries: Tõll, Piret, Leiger, and most recently, Tiiu- each proudly named after giants of Estonian mythology.

With TIIU now back in service on the Rohuküla- Heltermaa route, we are welcoming PIRET into our FD 34 for scheduled maintenance.

These vessels connect the mainland and the islands and keep ancient stories alive across the waters. As ship repair professionals, we are proud to play a part in their journeys- ensuring safety and performance with every crossing.

In just over two weeks, team Turku Repair Yard, one of BLRT REPAIR YARDS, members of BLRT Grupp has completed technical maintenance and upgrades on the 212-meter M/S Baltic Princess of Tallink Grupp, ensuring she is fully prepared for smooth and efficient service

With nearly €4 million invested in interior upgrades by Tallink Grupp, the vessel also underwent significant renovations to passenger areas. However, the core of the project in Naantali was focused on ensuring that the Baltic Princess remains technically robust and reliable for years to come

The scope of work included a complete overhaul of both steering gear rudder actuators, enhancing manoeuvrability for precision control. The ME3 input shaft bearing was replaced, and the PS and SB stabilizer fins underwent a thorough overhaul to optimize stability at sea.

As part of the vessel’s green upgrades, we installed a Wärtsilä EnergoProFin on the PS- 𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦-𝑠𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟 𝑐𝑎𝑝 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑢𝑙𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦. 𝐵𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑢𝑏 𝑣𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑎𝑓𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟 𝑏𝑙𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑜𝑃𝑟𝑜𝐹𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑏𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑛ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑢𝑒𝑙 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠.

Structural repairs and inspections played a key role in this project. Our specialists conducted thruster tunnel SS liner repairs, along with comprehensive dry dock inspections of the FWD/ AFT bow thrusters. The ship’s fire line was renewed, reinforcing onboard safety systems. To complete the transformation, a full-scale painting operation was carried out, giving the Baltic Princess a fresh, polished look.

Set to welcome passengers back on March 19, 2025, Baltic Princess offers travellers a seamless opportunity to explore Turku and Stockholm in one unforgettable journey. A voyage across the Baltic is an experience filled with stunning seascapes, Nordic charm, and lasting memories.

Another project completed at BLRT Repair Yards Klaipeda- the 183-meter-long supersegregator Bow Prosper of Odfjell SE has now wrapped up her 1st special survey and green upgrades, and she’s ready to get back to work.

At just five years old, she arrived in great shape, needing mostly standard drydocking work. But the real highlight of this project was the installation of a Mewis Duct, a smart addition that optimizes water flow to the propeller. The result? Lower fuel consumption and improved efficiency – a small but significant step toward greener shipping.

Bow Prosper isn’t the only high-spec chemical tanker from Odfjell SE we have had in Klaipeda recently. At the end of 2023, BOW FIRDA also underwent its scheduled special survey here. These supersegregators, built to transport multiple liquid cargoes while ensuring strict segregation, are key players in the industry- and we are proud to support them with top-tier maintenance and upgrades.

Fresh from servicing at BLRT REPAIR YARDS in Naantali, MV Saimaagracht of Spliethoff is already sailing again, ready for new tasks.

Its name echoes Lake Saimaa, Finland’s largest and most interconnected waterway and the fourth-largest natural freshwater lake in Europe, known for its winding channels, deep waters, and resilience against the elements.

Just like its namesake, MV Saimaagracht is built for connectivity- linking ports, navigating vast routes, and keeping global trade moving with confidence.

For years, FD 2 has been the silent workhorse of our shipyard in Tallinn, lifting vessels, supporting complex repairs, and standing strong. But even the most resilient giants need transformation.

Today, this trusted dock is out of service for a great reason. It’s undergoing major modernization and a leap forward in efficiency, operational capacity, and sustainability – a commitment of BLRT Grupp to innovation and another stage of a significant investment program in the future of ship repair.

Modernizing a dock of this scale is no ordinary task- it’s a challenge. We have set an ambitious 105-day timeline to complete this transformation, pushing us to navigate technologically demanding stages, complex execution processes, and the simultaneous coordination of multiple operations. This tight schedule demands rapid decision-making, technical expertise, and operational efficiency at the highest level. But challenges like these are what drive us forward.

The changes start deep within. New ballast and pumping systems will make docking and undocking faster and more efficient. Upgraded electrical systems will enhance power distribution, ensuring seamless operations, while fire suppression upgrades will elevate safety to the next level.

But modernization is not only about technology. A large-scale steel renewal is underway, reinforcing the dock’s structure to ensure it can handle even the most challenging and complex projects for years to come.

Sustainability isn’t just a goal – it’s a responsibility across the group of yards. Ship repair must evolve to be cleaner, smarter, and more efficient. As one of the stages of this modernization, we are improving the wastewater collection system and installing a new sewage treatment plant – ensuring better handling, reducing environmental impact, and meeting the latest local and global regulations and initiatives.

The Estonia will celebrate its 107th anniversary of independence on February 24.