To fully resume operations, the port terminal JSC “Kālija parks” (KP) in Ventspils must be cleared of fertilizer cargo left behind by the sanctioned Russian company “Uralkali.” These shipments have been frozen for nearly four years, with the owner failing to resolve the situation, effectively blocking the terminal’s daily operations and causing significant financial losses.
In December 2023, under the United Nations World Food Programme, 34 000 tonnes of fertilizer were removed from the terminal. However, the planned removal of the remaining 18.5 thousand tonnes in February 2023 never took place — Uralkali has remained uncooperative and unwilling to engage in further discussions.
Meanwhile, KP is forced to maintain the terminal in partial downtime, as the warehouses and infrastructure remain occupied by the cargo. The company emphasizes that this situation is unsustainable — storage and handling costs have already exceeded 3.3 million euros. As a result, KP has warned Uralkali of legal action — the confiscation and auctioning of the cargo. It will become KP’s property if not claimed by the UN programme.
KP is currently awaiting authorization from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of Latvia to begin the sale process. The company hopes to reach a constructive resolution with the FIU — specifically, the sale of the abandoned cargo, which would free the terminal and restore normal commercial operations.
The Port of Riga has already demonstrated that such solutions are feasible. According to information provided by the FIU, all ammonium nitrate has been removed from the SIA Riga Fertilizer Terminal (RFT), thereby eliminating a potential environmental hazard. The remaining non-explosive fertilizer cargo still stored at the terminal is being held in compliance with international sanctions.
In total, more than 47 000 tonnes of fertilizer were stored at the RFT terminal at the beginning of the year, with plans to auction them in three lots starting at 8.2 million euros. Part of the cargo — the ammonium nitrate — was purchased by a Latvia-registered company, but the other auctions did not take place. The proceeds are currently frozen in accounts held by the Bank of Latvia.
KP stresses that this is not merely a legal issue, but one of logistics and economic efficiency. As long as the sanctioned cargo remains at the terminal, the company cannot fully restore operations. According to European Union regulations, exceptions to sanctions may be applied if there is a need to prevent significant economic or environmental harm.
“Kālija Parks” is calling for action — the cargo is abandoned, and it is obstructing a terminal that could otherwise operate, create added value, and contribute to the Latvian economy.