Freeport of Ventspils increased cargo turnover by 33% in 2022

In 2022, the terminals operating in the Freeport of Ventspils handled a total of 14.8 million tonnes, an increase of 33%. Record volumes were achieved in the Ro-Ro cargo group and in the development of new cargo routes, which has enabled the Freeport of Ventspils Authority to continue with ongoing development projects and launch new initiatives.

Although the sanctions against Russia due to the war are a major shock for the transit industry and especially for the Port of Ventspils, where traditionally transit cargoes from Russia have accounted for the largest part of cargo turnover, by the end of 2021, the port operators managed to launch cooperation with Kazakh coal cargo owners, which allowed the Port to close 2022 with good results. The volume of coal handled in the Port of Ventspils in 2022 increased by almost 420%, i.e. 2.6 million tonnes.

However, oil products continue to account for the largest share of cargo in the port, with an increase of 13.4%. The Ro-Ro or ferry cargo group set a record with 2.35 million tonnes, up 4% year-on-year. The volume of metal cargo handled quadrupled as well.

At the same time, it should be stressed that cargo volumes are only one of many indicators of port performance. The year 2022 was marked by a number of new initiatives and successfully continued projects that are expected to have a positive impact on the economic development of the region in the future.

In the summer, the Freeport of Ventspils Authority concluded a contract on the right of superficies with the company SIA BLNC which plans to invest up to EUR 25 million in Ventspils by building a drinking water storage terminal and export infrastructure. As a result of the project, an estimated 3-6 million tonnes of bulk drinking water will be exported by tanker vessels to geographic destinations where drinking water is scarce. 

Following the current trends in the development of green energies and the interest of the business sector to both generate and use solar energy in manufacturing operations, in autumn, the Freeport of Ventspils Authority signed contracts on granting the right of superficies for the construction of four solar parks. The development of solar energy generation is not only a significant step towards energy independence, but also an important investment for future development, as it will be an added advantage not only for the development of industrial parks and production facilities in Ventspils, but also for the port. 

Despite the crisis in the construction sector and the huge increase in costs, the Freeport of Ventspils Authority managed to cover all the objective price increases and to continue with all the construction projects – the construction of a new factory in the industrial area, and the renovation of the hydrotechnical structures and the streets. In total, more than EUR 3 million have been invested in Freeport infrastructure during the year.