Cargo movement in the port of Riga is strictly regulated and supervised

One of them - the Cabinet Regulations No. 1060 “Regulations Regarding the Movement and Control of Dangerous and Polluting Cargoes in Ports” of 15.09.2009 stipulate that in order to perform activities with dangerous cargoes, a port merchant shall obtain a category B permit issued by the State Environmental Service. This means that the storage and handling of any such cargo in the port can take place only with the special approval of the SES, having duly assessed the risks related to the compliance of the company's territory and technological processes with environmental and safety standards.

The movement of dangerous and polluting cargo is being supervised by the Latvian Maritime Administration, which monitors compliance with the rules for the movement of the said cargo, as well as carries out inspections of ships. With the aim to control cargo on the port territory, to check storage volumes, packaging, as well as compliance with segregation and fire safety requirements, the Freeport of Riga Authority has appointed the Port Inspector and the Fire Safety Inspector, who regularly, at least once every four months, inspect the movement of dangerous and polluting cargo at the port companies. If any violations, that could endanger the safe movement of cargo, have been identified, the technological process shall be suspended until the deficiencies are eliminated, informing the State Environmental Service and the Latvian Maritime Administration thereof.

The Port of Riga has an Emergency Plan, which determines cooperation issues and activities of all parties involved in emergency situations. It provides emergency response guidelines and relevant recommendations for ships, port terminals and responsible port authorities, as well as for other security bodies.

Furthermore, an individual Port Facility Security Plan has been developed at each port terminal, the implementation of which is the responsibility of the Port Facility Security Officer. In order to make sure that all parties involved are well trained and ready to implement the measures provided for in the security plans, regular security drills with the participation of the terminals, the Freeport of Riga Authority and the state operational services - SFRS, SEMS, SES, etc. are being organized. In the framework of the said exercise the high-risk situations and responsible personnel emergency action are being simulated.

One specialized mineral cargo handling terminal - SIA “Riga Fertilizer Terminal” - operates in the territory of the Freeport of Riga. The most advanced and safest fertilizer handling and temporary storage terminal in Northern Europe was put into operation at the end of 2013. A major part of the funds was invested directly into environmentally safe, internationally recognized and modern cargo handling and storage technologies. In accordance with the procedures prescribed by law, Civil Defense training is organized at high-risk terminals at least once a year, this year it is planned in November. At the same time, the company also provides for internal training of its operational group employees on a monthly basis.