On January 13, when Lithuania marks Freedom Defenders Day, Commander of the Lithuanian Navy RDML Giedrius Premeneckas signed an agreement with the Lithuanian Electricity Transmission System Operator Litgrid on behalf of the Lithuanian Armed Forces to increase security of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea: NordBalt power link with Sweden. The Lithuanian Armed Forces and Litgrid will aim to implement technical and practical measures and information and expertise exchange. The agreement provides basis for information sharing on both sides concerning recorded damage, unusual activities and updates of security measures.
“The scope and character of threats to critical undersea infrastructure require tight cooperation. We enjoy such cooperation on a steady basis, while the contract between the Lithuanian Navy and Litgrid will add structure and make fully efficient,” said RDML Giedrius Premeneckas.
Parties to the agreement commit to cooperate in monitoring and ensuring security of critical undersea infrastructure which applies not just to NordBalt but o other critical energy and telecommunications assets in the Baltic Sea as well. It is a pivotal step as the infrastructure is increasingly targeted with sabotage and other malicious activities recently which may have serious implications to regional security and economy. The majority of the objects are submerged, therefore specialized technology and constant monitoring is needed to ensure timely response to any unusual activity and its security.
The agreement with Litgrid integrates the Lithuanian Navy in infrastructure security process and public education seeking more awareness about the importance of the matter and energy security of Lithuania in the overall. Collaboration with Litgrid will strengthen the defence mechanisms and help ensure that the Baltic Sea and the undersea infrastructure in it remains protected from external threats.
Photo: courtesy of Litgrid
