On Monday, 26 May, a memorandum of understanding was signed by Jaanus Saat, Mayor of Lääne-Harju Municipality; Roomet Leiger, Director of the Estonian Maritime Academy at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech); and Indrek Tulp, Member of the Board at Metrosert and Head of its Applied Research Centre. The trilateral cooperation aims to promote maritime education, support regional economic development, and introduce new technologies — including hydrogen technology — to the youth and community of Lääne-Harju.
Roomet Leiger, Director of TalTech’s Maritime Academy, emphasized that the agreement opens up new opportunities for students by offering internships, introducing them to the fields of maritime and green technologies, and involving them in research and development projects. Students from Paldiski Secondary School and other local schools will be able to take part in maritime-themed projects and workshops, gaining knowledge in both maritime and green technology domains.
Metrosert’s role in the collaboration is to create opportunities for students and youth in Lääne-Harju to engage with hydrogen technology through educational institutions. By doing so, Metrosert contributes to the region’s economic development by enhancing companies’ export capabilities and bringing new knowledge, funding, and international research cooperation to the area — all of which help strengthen Estonia’s hydrogen technology ecosystem.
“Developing human capital and advancing hydrogen technologies are key to ensuring sustainable regional development and global competitiveness. Working together with educational institutions allows us to bring new knowledge and hands-on experience to young people, laying a strong foundation for future innovation,” said Indrek Tulp, Head of Metrosert’s Applied Research Centre.
Roomet Leiger added: “This cooperation with Lääne-Harju Municipality and Metrosert provides our university and school students with the opportunity to participate in real-world research and development projects, and to experience practical aspects of the maritime and hydrogen technology sectors. It supports the growth of the next generation and contributes to the economic and scientific development of both the region and Estonia as a whole.”
At the ceremonial meeting, all parties agreed that the memorandum is just the beginning of a broad-based collaboration aimed at strengthening maritime education, supporting future talent, and implementing innovative development projects that will contribute to the economic and scientific advancement of Lääne-Harju and Estonia more broadly.
