Last European Coastal State Joins the IHO

Sitting in a strategic position on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, Lithuania’s maritime identity is deeply rooted in its history and economy. Shipping, coastal tourism, and shipbuilding are vital sectors, supported by its thriving port of Klaipėda. Klaipėda is the northernmost ice-free port on the eastern Baltic coast and one of the region’s largest hubs. It also plays a key role in the EU’s North Sea–Baltic Corridor, an ambitious project to improve transport, logistics, and mobility across Europe. Plans are underway to further expand Klaipėda to accommodate larger vessels, which will make advanced hydrographic capabilities even more crucial for safe and efficient navigation. The nation’s infrastructure includes Būtingė oil terminal, an import and export facility that can export up to 14 million tons of crude oil a year. Provided thanks to single-point offshore mooring systems, accurate depth data is essential for safe operations.    

Beyond its coastline, Lithuania is a nation of water. It shares maritime borders with Latvia, Russia (Kaliningrad), and Sweden, while inland it is home to more than 2,800 lakes, 1,500 ponds, and over 700 rivers longer than 10 km. The Curonian Lagoon – a unique semi-enclosed body of water connected to the Baltic Sea by a narrow strait – underscores the country’s close relationship with both inland and marine waters.

“By joining the IHO, we want to further enhance the expertise of hydrography professionals and expand the data streams managed by the Hydrography Division. This will help us develop new navigational products to support safe navigation, national security, environmental protection, and other national needs, such as offshore wind energy development”

Mindaugas Zakarauskas, Head of the Hydrography Division, Lithuania

Lithuania’s accession to the IHO is the natural outcome of years of active participation in regional maritime and hydrographic initiatives. Lithuania has been a valued member of the Baltic Sea Hydrographic Commission, supporting safety of navigation and the protection of the marine environment in one of the world’s busiest inland seas.

Lithuania is also active in international efforts to sustainably manage fisheries, safeguard the marine environment, and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Like other Baltic States, it faces challenges such as pollution, shifting ecosystems, and decreasing seasonal ice cover.

“By strengthening its hydrographic services and becoming a full Member State of the IHO, Lithuania will be better equipped to address its maritime priorities, support trade, and contribute to global initiatives on safe navigation and ocean knowledge.”

Dr Mathias Jonas, Secretary-General of the IHO

As a Member State, Lithuania will have access to the full IHO Capacity-Building programme as well as to an international network of experts.

Lithuania’s membership brings the total number of IHO Member States to 103, reaffirming the Organization’s role as a truly global body fostering cooperation in hydrography, nautical cartography, and the sustainable use of the seas.