The action's objective is to upgrade the link in accordance with the international environmental regulations as well as to increase the efficiency, capacity and quality of the ports and terminal operations. Core element of the action is deployment of an effective ship emission abatement technology (hybrid wet-scrubbers) on the mid-size RoPax vessels "Optima Seaways" and "Athena Seaways", operating on this link.

Efficiency, capacity, quality and safety improvements in the both ports will be ensured by:

• in the Port of Klaipeda - implementation of a new terminal management system;
• in the Port of Karlshamn - implementation of new gate facilities and extension of the parking area.

Furthermore, the action covers analysis and preparation to obtain building and environmental approval for the fairways dredging in the Port of Karlshamn as well as analysis of options to improve the mooring operations in this port and to obtain building and environmental approval for the change in the mooring operations. The action will result in environmental compliance of the maritime operations, savings of air pollutants and reduced SO2 emissions on the link. In addition, the competitiveness and viability of this MoS link will be sustained.