This amount was invested into infrastructure maintenance and development, including digital solutions, as reported by representative of Freeport of Riga.
Freeport of Riga CEO Ansis Zeltiņš notes: «Despite different global geopolitical challenges and uncertainty in global markets, we have managed to increase freight turnover at the Freeport of Riga this year and invest into the sea port’s development. Investments went towards the reorganisation of the sea port’s railway infrastructure, deepening of the shipping channel, reconstruction of hydrostructures, as well as testing and implementation of digital solutions to help automate sea port’s processes and reduce the time it takes to handle freight.»
Investments towards the sea port’s technical and digital infrastructure are planned to be investments in 2023.
Large railway infrastructure reorganisation work took place in Kundziņsala this year. Work was focused on railway and ferry lines. As part of the project it was possible to install new LED projectors and lights to improve the quality of lighting, reduce electricity consumption by 30-35% and reduce CO2 emissions. In cooperation with Latvian Railway (LDz) it was possible to commence work on a joint integration of railway freight data processes, creating solutions for digitised railway freight data exchange and automation.
This year work commenced on reconstruction of Sarkandaugava Bridge. This is the only railway bridge within the sea port’s territory that provides connection with Kundziņsala. The bridge will be reconstructed to ensure safe and convenient crossing for road and railway transports, as well as pedestrians. It is also planned to install decorative lighting systems to help provide lighting to the bridge’s metal structures at night.
Reconstruction of the motorway connecting Kundziņsala, Sarkandaugava Bridge and the sea port’s biggest container terminal Baltic Container Terminal’s territory. There are plans to replace the surface of the road, install a new sewer system and install road lighting system.
This year it was possible to finish the reinforcement of Daugavgriva’s coastline. Work to reinforce 200 m of the coastline commenced in 2020. Work continued this year. A total of 300 m of the coastline has been reinforced so far.
Continuing the sea port’s dock and shipping channel cleaning work it was possible to perform cleaning in four locations of the sea port in cooperation with Danish company Rodhe Nielsen.
This year also saw the start of development of multiple construction projects. Active construction stage in these projects is expected to commence in the coming years. Design work continued on the reconstruction of fire, water supply and sewer systems in Kundziņsala. Reconstruction of MS-11, MS-12 and MS-13 docks commenced. Development of the project for reconstruction of Flotes Street in Daugavgriva commenced as well. Reconstruction of Flotes Street will help provide modern transport infrastructure in the area.
Together with organisations of local residents, Freeport of Riga authority regularly organises landscaping projects in areas close to the sea port. These include the construction of a sports stadium, playgrounds, pedestrian walkways and leisure sites.
Also read: Baltic Sea region receives another 480 million towards «green» investments