English
At the end of September, a boat launching slipway, commissioned by the Freeport of Riga Authority, was put into operation. The slipway will be available for public use free of charge for all boat owners.
The new boat launching slipway is located on the left bank of the River Daugava, at a large parking area at the end of Voleru Street. It provides for the simultaneous launching of two watercraft using a car with a trailer or boat trailer.
The design brief for the slip was prepared and the project was implemented in close cooperation with the Latvian Fishing Sports Federation (LMSF), anglers and boat experts. The construction works were carried out by SIA “Būvinženieris” in cooperation with the design company SIA “Inženieru birojs “Kurbada tilti””, selected as a result of an open procurement procedure.
“Riga is rich in waters, we have many anglers and recreational watercraft owners, but there is a lack of quality, comfortable and safe publicly accessible sites where you can launch your boat in public waters,” said boat expert Kristaps Kotāns. “The new slipway has the right width and slope, as well as mooring cleats to tie the boat to, the adjacent area allows for a convenient and safe turning area for cars, moreover there is a large parking area for cars with trailers,” added K.Kotāns, highlighting the advantages of the project.
“This is the best boat slipway in the next 1000 kilometres,” said Mārtiņš Balodis, organiser of the Garmin Predator Cup, an international fishing competition.
“Until now, there have been private boat slipways in Riga that are located in closed areas, or those difficult to use due to their location or technical parameters. The new slipway built in the port territory has extended capacity and can definitely be a model for others. We are happy,” added the fishing expert.
The boat ramp, including the underwater part, is 24 metres long, with a 16-metre-long wooden pontoon with fenders and mooring cleats. The boat slipway can withstand a load of up to 7 tons of a car + trailer (boat trailer) with a floating craft. It is expected that the pontoon will be removed during the winter period, but the slipway will be operational all year round.
There is a user guide available at the slipway, as well as a video briefing after scanning the QR code. It can be viewed here - https://youtu.be/vCwpVLrEcSM.
This summer, the filling and reinforcement of the shoreline and landscaping of the area was provided in the framework of the project, while next year it is planned to install lighting at the slipway so that boat owners can use the slipway safely and comfortably during the dark hours of the day.
The new slipway will facilitate rescue service’s access to the River Daugava and surrounding water bodies, strengthening the response capacity of the emergency operations. Another objective of the project is boosting the Freeport’s neighbourhood capacity and enhancing the relations of the Freeport of Riga Authority with the residents of the neighbourhoods.
Riga's waters are considered to be among the most valuable for fishing in Latvia, as they bring together migratory fish. “Our inland waters are unique, it is a resource that we can develop, thus contributing to the development of local and international tourism,” commented Mārtiņš Balodis.
Information for media
- liene.ozola [at] rop.lv, +371 670 308 53
- Freeport of Riga Authority
- 12 Kalpaka blvd, Riga, Latvia, LV-1010
