Latvia: Dredging Brings More Business to Port of Riga

In March 2014 the enterprises of the Freeport of Riga handled by 26,7% more various cargo than in March 2013, and evaluating the first quarter of this year it is evident that the total cargo turnover has increased by 21.7%.

Overall, 9.92 million tons were handled within three months, and it is the most successful first quarter in the history of the port.

The Board Chairman of the Freeport of Riga Mr. Andris Ameriks said: “The Freeport of Riga Authority has invested a lot of work and a lot of money to enable the Port of Riga to receive and handle such considerable cargo amount, and now we can see a real return. That refers both to the fairway dredging and access road infrastructure improvements, that Freeport has purposefully implemented for years.”

A total amount of 5.27 million tons was handled in dry bulk cargo segment this year, that is by 17.8 % more than last year, including 3.42 million tons of coal, dispatched by the port, that means an increase of 10.2% compared to the previous reporting period.

Mr. Andris Ameriks said that coal cargo volume growth affects the quality of urban life in several respects, so the Freeport’s task is to create conditions for coal cargo transfer from the city center to Krievu Island, where a new industrial zone is being developed, and do it as soon as possible.

[mappress]

Press Release, May 6, 2014