Freeport of Ventspils receives recognition for contribution to offshore wind energy development

The UK-based international investment publication “fDi Intelligence” annually publishes its “Global Free Zones of the Year” report, evaluating special economic zones around the world and their performance in various areas. This year, Freeport of Ventspils received a special honourable mention from the judging panel for adapting its infrastructure to support the development of the offshore wind energy sector.

The “Global Free Zones of the Year” report evaluates the best industrial zones, knowledge zones and “rising stars”, with up to two leaders selected in each category across four world regions – the Middle East, Europe, Africa, the Asia-Pacific region and the Americas (North and South America). Zones are also evaluated in areas such as the implementation of artificial intelligence solutions and aftercare support for investors, with overall winners also being announced.

“fDi Intelligence” also highlights special economic zones that have earned special recognition for their achievements in specific areas. This year, Freeport of Ventspils is among the recipients, being the only special economic zone in Latvia and one of three special economic zones in the Baltic states to receive recognition. The other two are Klaipėda Free Economic Zone and Akmenė Free Economic Zone in Lithuania.

James Zhan, a member of the judging panel, praised freeport of Ventspils for its contribution to the development of offshore wind energy. “ among the few Baltic ports able to unload and move 100-metre turbine components, with city roads and junctions rebuilt to accommodate them, anchoring a dedicated renewable energy cluster,” said Zhan.

“fDi Intelligence” has previously recognised the work of the Freeport of Ventspils Authority. In 2025, Freeport’s sector-oriented investment attraction strategy was highlighted; in 2024, Freeport received a judging panel honourable mention for its work to support the development of offshore wind industry projects in the Baltic Sea region. In 2019, Freeport of Ventspils was named the world’s best location for large-tenant business development and the second-best location in Europe for small and medium-sized business development.

“fDi Intelligence” is a London-based financial news and foreign direct investment publication that provides up-to-date coverage of global investment activity in cooperation with the “Financial Times”. Every year, “fDi Intelligence” compiles and evaluates information on special economic zones around the world, analysing trends and highlighting the special economic zones that, in the judging panel’s view, have performed particularly well.

Freeport of Ventspils is Latvia’s second-largest port by cargo volumes handled at its terminals and one of the country’s largest industrial centres. Freeport’s strategic development concept envisages transforming the port from a transit hub for fossil energy resources into an energy hub encompassing fossil energy resources, renewable energy and the hydrogen economy, as well as food as a source of energy.