The Freeport of Riga attracts foreign diplomats

The ambassadors and embassy responsible personnel showed great interest in the development of the Freeport and confirmed that the port of Riga, being an essential element of the transport sector, has always attracted foreign embassies’ attention. Guests were most interested in the impact of European and Russian sanctions on the Freeport of Riga cargo turnover, in the causes of increase or decrease of the different cargo volume, as well as in container cargo traffic and processing at the port. One of the topical issues was the impact of the EU Directive on sulphur content in marine fuels on the work of the Freeport. Mr.Edgars Suna: “Although the regulations on the sulphur content in marine fuels have been in force since 2015, at present we still are not able to assess the impact of the Directive provisions on the Riga port activities. Due to the very low fuel prices the price for alternative fuels with a low sulphur content is low and does not provide any substantial additional costs for ship-owners. We will be able to assess the EU regulatory impact when the fuel prices begin to rise and the alternative fuel will become very expensive.” The Ambassadors were also informed about the Krievu Island project progress, had the opportunity to see the infrastructure, built by the Freeport of Riga Authority, and marked that the project, that is important for both the port and the city of Riga, is being implemented in compliance with an Action plan and time schedule.