Krievu Island Terminal Put into Operation

“The Freeport of Riga has fulfilled its promise and commitment in full – work on all additional infrastructure planned for the second stage of construction is now completed put into operation. Therefore, after several years of intense work, we can finally say that construction of the Krievu Island Terminal is finished and the Port of Riga now has its own cargo handling terminal, which complies with global standards as well as the highest environmental requirements,” highlights the Chairman of the Board of the Freeport of Riga, Andris Ameriks.

During the second stage of the Krievu Island project construction of all communications was completed, including electric supply cables, water supply and sewage systems, as well as the construction of cargo platforms and railway. Concrete-slab and asphalt cover has been constructed for cargo platforms. In the interests of observing environmental protection requirements and protecting the quality of life for those living in urban areas adjacent to Krievu Island a windbreak fence, 23 metres high and over 2 km long, was built. The most important function of the windbreak fence is to effectively dampen the effects of the dominating winds on coal piles, preventing coal dust from blowing into the air and ending up in the environment.

“Thanks to the proficient project management and supervision of the work of designers and construction workers, successful cooperation with the stevedoring companies, and favourable weather conditions, we have been able to complete all work within the set deadlines and even a bit ahead of the schedule. Very soon the new Krievu Island Terminal will be ready to commence work,” said the CEO of the Freeport of Riga Authority, Ansis Zeltiņš.

The stevedoring companies are continuing their work on installing special-purpose equipment for coal unloading, crushing, transportation and loading onto ships, as well as adjusting the settings and preparing for the transhipment of coal.

To free the centre of Riga from coal cargo and transfer the handling of coal to the new Krievu Island terminals equipped with modern technologies, in 2012 the Freeport of Riga Authority began the project “Development of Infrastructure on Krievu Island for the Transfer of Port Activities from the City Centre”. On 31 December 2015, construction of the principal infrastructure of the Krievu Island Terminal was completed, which included 4 deep-water piers (draught of ships 15.5 m) with the total length of 1,180 metres and the necessary access road and utility infrastructure.

Alongside construction of the additional infrastructure commenced by the Freeport of Riga Authority in September 2017, stevedoring companies are building administrative and process buildings and installing special-purpose equipment for coal handling, crushing, transportation and loading onto ships.