Throughput of Riga port up 13.8% to 21.9 mln t in Jan-Sep 08

In January-September, 2008, Freeport of Riga handled 21.946 million tonnes (+13.8%, year-on-year), the company materials read.

In the reported period transshipment of general cargo fell by 13.1%, year-on-year, to 3.772 million tonnes including 1.682.2 million tonnes of timber (-28.1%), 19,300 tonnes of metal (-72.3%), 19,300 tonnes of chemical cargo (+43%). Container throughput amounted to 153,851 TEU (-1.4%). Transshipment of ro-ro cargo increased by 34.5%, year-on-year, to 491,200 tonnes, loose cargo – 14.346.9 million tonnes (+28.9%) including 269,500 tonnes of grain (up 3-fold, year-on-year).

In the 9-month period, the port handled 3.827.1 million tonnes of liquid bulk cargo (+0.2%) including 3.782.2 million tonnes of oil products (-0.1%, year-on-year).

Freeport of Riga lies on both banks of the River Daugava covering 15 kilometres in length. Loading capacity (assessed) at the terminals of the Freeport of Riga accounts for 45 million tons per annum.

In 2007 the volume of the transshipped cargoes has reached 25,9 million tons – it is the highest index during all the 805 years of Riga port activities.

Up to 80% of the Freeport of Riga cargo turnover is made up of transit cargoes forwarded to or received from the CIS. 31 stevedore companies and 40 shipping agents successfully operate at the Freeport of Riga. Main types of cargo handled at the Freeport of Riga are containers, various metals, timber, coal, mineral fertilizers, chemical cargoes, oil and food products.