English
At the end of May, the Freeport of Riga Authority concluded two investment agreements with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Agency (CINEA), which are of key importance for the development of the port. Both projects co-financed by the CINEA military mobility programme will strengthen the commercial competitiveness of the Port of Riga, at the same time improving the military mobility and national defence capacity of Latvia and its allies.
In the first approved project, the tripartite agreement between the Freeport of Riga Authority, CINEA and SIA “Baltic Container Terminal” (BCT) on increasing the dual-use capacity of the Port of Riga by investing in the infrastructure of road and railway access roads and berths provides for the improvement of the port infrastructure in Kundziņsala. Within the framework of the project, the Freeport of Riga Authority (FRA) will carry out reconstruction of the railway crossing at the port gate on Uriekstes Street, reconstruction of the road/railway bridge in the southern part of Kundziņsala, reconstruction of the highway from the bridge to the container terminal, as well as the construction of a new connecting road from the container terminal to the transport parking lot. Furthermore, SIA “Baltic Container Terminal” in cooperation with the FRA will ensure the extension of the berth line at the container terminal by building an additional section and conducting water area dredging, with an aim to simultaneously receive and service several vessels with a larger carrying capacity.
The new infrastructure improvement project in Kundziņsala is an essential part of the development plan of the Port of Riga, which envisages the creation of Kundziņsala as the most modern port territory with a digitized and automated logistics infrastructure that meets the requirements of the port's clients. Together with the construction of the new Sarkandaugava overpass to Kundziņsala and the creation of the up-to-date integrated port pass point in Kundziņsala implemented by the Riga State City Municipality, the new infrastructure development project will promote the development of the port's industrial areas and facilitate new merchants’ access to the Port of Riga.
Modern infrastructure that ensures fast and safe logistics in the port of Riga is also vital for strengthening the national defence and ensuring the military mobility of Latvia and its allies. Today the BCT is one of the most important Riga port terminals, which is able to provide logistics services for military equipment and vehicles in accordance with NATO requirements. By improving the BCT reception facilities and the access to the terminal, a contribution will be provided to strengthen the common security of our country and NATO.
The total investment amount of the project is EUR 12.51 million, where the co-financing granted by CINEA is 50% of the eligible project costs, which will be received by each project partner according to the distribution of construction phases. All activities within the framework of the project are to be fully completed in full by the end of 2024.
The second agreement concluded between the Freeport of Riga Authority and CINEA provides for the purchase of a new multi-functional port auxiliary fleet vessel for the needs of the FRA's subsidiary SIA “LVR Flote.” The vessel equipped with a hybrid engine will be suitable for breaking ice in the port water area and the Gulf of Riga, as well as for performing various universal functions, including lifting buoys, performing measurements, and providing support functions for pollution collection and dredging works. In addition, the vessel will also provide support functions to the Latvian Border Guard and Coast Guard. It will be suitable for transporting various military equipment and personnel, as well as for rescue operations.
The purchase of the new vessel equipped with a hybrid engine will be a major step towards attaining the goal of SIA “LVR Flote” - to complete the modernization of the port's technical fleet by 2030, gradually introducing technologies for the use of renewable energy resources. Hybrid engines in the daily operation of the fleet vessels will significantly reduce fossil fuel emissions in the daily operation of the fleet vessels and contribute to the achievement of climate neutrality and decarbonization goals in the port of Riga.
According to the relevant agreement the amount for the purchase of a new vessel is €10.15 million, and co-financing of up to 50% is also granted to the project by CINEA. At the moment, an international procurement procedure has been launched and the purchase of the vessel is planned to be finalized in 2024.
Information for media
- liene.ozola [at] rop.lv, +371 670 308 53
- Freeport of Riga Authority
- 12 Kalpaka blvd, Riga, Latvia, LV-1010
