In recent weeks, the transit of manganese ore from Latvia to Russia has been widely discussed, because, as it turns out, these cargoes are used in military production plants. In order to reduce Russia’s ability to produce armaments, which the occupiers could later use against Ukraine, Latvia is looking for solutions to ban transit.
Zeltiņš says that manganese ore in the cargo transportation portfolio of the port of Riga accounts for an average of 400 to a maximum of 800 thousand tons, but in general it is a very small percentage of the entire turnover of the port, which is transported to Russia. Every ton is important for the port, but their volume will not change drastically due to the manganese ore.
When asked if the port does not have information about the purposes for which cargo is transported to the respective destination, the manager of the free port emphasizes that the port of Riga does not differ in any way from the ports of Europe or other countries of the world, that is, almost the entire Mendeleev table is transshipped through it, but ports employees do not have specific knowledge of where and how each load could be used.
Also, the logistics chain is long and there is no reason for the port to research or ask for information about what is being made of a particular substance or cargo. “That would be quite strange,” said Zeltins.
New passenger port terminal
In the next four years, it is planned to build a new passenger terminal for approximately 90 million euros. Construction could begin in 2026. The manager of the free port reveals that the biggest challenge is finance, but that does not change the need for a new terminal.
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“Looking at Riga as one of the capitals of the Baltic Sea countries and the “sad” situation with the passenger infrastructure, it is clear that Riga deserves a new location and the transfer of cargo from the territory of Andrejsala to other areas of the port. Currently, an architectural design competition is in process, which will outline the features of the passenger port. Currently, it is about the alley of the Andrejosta export port, that is, opposite Pētersalas street,” reveals Zeltiņš.
A new passenger port also opens up new prospects for reviving known cruise ship routes, such as the “Tallinks” between Riga and Stockholm, Sweden.
As for this ferry and cruise season, it will be similar to last year, but with a slight increase. 13 ships will enter the port of Riga for the first time. Several will stay overnight, which will allow people to spend more time in Riga and possibly provide a greater economic return.
