2012-01-24, 10:44
Major Latvian ports are increasing their cargo handling
© Vidmantas Matutis photo
Last year, Latvian ports handled 68.82 million tons of cargo. This is 12.5 per cent more than in 2009 and 2010 when cargo handling amounted to 61 million tons. The biggest Latvian ports are Riga, Ventspils and Liepaja. They stand as follows among the Eastern Baltic ports: third, fourth and sixth. Major Latvian ports are increasing their cargo handling, but small ones are dying out. They have managed to handle 1.46 million tons of cargo in 2011. This is 1.7 per cent less than in 2010. The biggest part of this cargo goes to Skulte, handling 689 thousand tons of cargo. Its main cargo is wood. Last year, cargo handling in Skulte has increased by 6.9 per cent. Last year, the port of Melnrage has increased its performance by 8 per cent. It has managed to handle 435 thousand tons of cargo. Other Latvian ports have experienced decrease in cargo handling, Roja port decreased in 15 per cent, Paviloste in 21 per cent and Salacgriva in 28 per cent. The main cargo of these ports is wood, other building materials, food products and fish.
