In the past year, the Port of Riga demonstrated resilience with a consistent cargo turnover of 18.8 million tonnes, securing its position as the second-largest port in the Baltic States. Notably, the port achieved a historic milestone by handling over 5 million tonnes of containerized cargo for the first time, marking a nearly 10% increase. Despite a dip in total cargo volumes, attributed to geopolitical factors affecting energy transit cargo, the port celebrated a record-breaking influx of cruise passengers, welcoming nearly 82,000 tourists from around the globe.
The container cargo segment emerged as the star performer, accounting for 27% of the total cargo portfolio and setting a new record with a 9.8% increase in volumes. The port’s 2023 data reveals a total cargo turnover of 18.8 million tonnes, the highest among Latvian ports and second-highest in the Baltic States. However, a 20% decrease in cargo volumes compared to the previous year was primarily driven by a sharp reduction in coal transit cargo, halting coal transit in the Port of Riga completely, with a 62% volume decrease.
While timber cargo remained at a relatively low level, agricultural cargo experienced a surge, becoming the third-largest segment with a transshipment volume of 3.47 million tonnes, an 18.8% increase from the previous year. Notably, wheat and rapeseed led the transshipment in the agricultural sector. New cargo groups, including stone rubble, gained significance, constituting 4% of the total cargo turnover. The port handled 23% more stone chips, primarily used for construction in Latvia and the Baltic States. The successful 2023 cruise season added to the port’s achievements, attracting a record-breaking 81.7 thousand tourists to Riga.
Image source: https://rop.lv/en/news/last-year-containerised-cargo-was-handled-most