Latvian port plans

The Freeport of Riga Authority plans to invest €19.8 million in the development of the port’s infrastructure, nearly a quarter more than in the previous year. Around 60% of the funding is in-house with the rest coming from the EU.

Work will focus on cleaning and dredging of the navigational waters, improvements to the port’s hydrotechnical constructions, berth modernisation, improvements to access roads and overpasses, development of railway infrastructure, as well as investments in digitalisation and automation.

“The planned investments are crucial to improve the port’s competitiveness and capacity performance indicators,” said board chair, Viesturs Zeps.

“This will also improve safety and security at the port and enable servicing larger vessels, less adverse impact on the environment and the global ecosystem.

“Our goal is to strengthen the positions of the Port of Riga in the logistics chains, to create the required pre-conditions for the growth of the port and companies operating at the port, to develop the passenger transport sector and improve the processes of smart technologies at the port.”

Infrastructure improvements

Almost half of the funds will be used to construct an overpass, redirecting road freight traffic away from the city centre, reducing travel time and emissions. A new railway bridge is also planned as is continued coastline reinforcement which began in 2020.

The port also plans to use EU funding to make improvements to its hydrotechnical constructions and the reconstruction of the Western and Eastern piers, plans relating to which are already with the EU CEF programme.

It is also planned to develop a draft for a new, modern passenger terminal project that would promote higher cruise ship and ferry traffic and a project to build a berth in Eksporta port is already under way.

Finally, the Freeport of Riga Authority plans to develop and invest in sustainable operations, setting aside €1 million to invest in green energy, smart technologies and IT projects.