Latvia growing via German ports

(Posted on 11/09/18)

In the first quarter of 2018, Latvia recorded the strongest real growth among European states. The seasonally adjusted rise of 5.1 percent has attracted positive interest. The reason for the good economic situation is strong domestic demand, driven by EU funded major projects, and greatly consuming private households. Goods flows in the Baltic States move not least of all via the Ports of Lübeck and Hamburg. Just how closely the German economy is linked to this Baltic state was showcased at an event in Liepaja, Latvia initiated by Port of Hamburg Marketing jointly with the Ports of Lübeck and Liepaja, as well as Stena Line.

In his address, Kaspars Ozoliņš, state secretary in the Latvian transport ministry, stressed: “Relations between Latvia and Germany have always been close, based on open dialogue and trustworthy cooperation. Germany is one of Latvia’s most important strategic economic and trade partners, and our partnership is continually developing.” Ingo Egloff, Joint CEO of Port of Hamburg Marketing elaborated how important the Baltic Region, with the upcoming Baltic States, is for the Port of Hamburg: “In the rankings of the most important trading partners for the Port of Hamburg, ‘supposedly little’ Latvia plays a significant role.” A dense network of feeder liner services excellently connect the Baltic State to Hamburg’s overseas port.

The Port of Lübeck, too, with its ferry service to Latvia run by Stena Line is considered as an important pooling hub for goods flows between Germany and Latvia: “For the services to the Baltic States and Russia, Latvia, and more specifically Liepaja, is an important strategic partner. We are taking real steps to further strengthen the Lübeck – Liepaja axis,” emphasized Sebastian Jürgens, CEO of Lübecker Hafen-Gesellschaft.

“We are looking forward to continue to grow our partnerships, business and freight volumes on the Travemunde-Liepaja route”, said Oskars Osis, Stena Lines Freight Commercial Manager for Baltic Sea North.

In his address, Jānis Lapiņš, CEO of Liepaja Special Economic Zone Authority, emphasized the pleasing development of the Zone that belongs to the port. The Port of Liepaja has a major share of local freight, making up 40 percent of total cargo volume. Apart from the well-established ferry and Ro-Ro traffic, in the Port of Liepaja there is a considerable handling volume of German cargo.

This event for Latvian and German representatives from the worlds of business and politics aimed at strengthening existing relationships and to prepare the way for further developments between the ports and the business partners. For Marina Basso Michael, Head of market development Baltic Region/Eastern Europe at Port of Hamburg Marketing – HHM, this meeting was the next step after a successful event almost two years ago in Riga: “Mutually shared information leads to more cooperation between trading partners. German and Latvian businesses and ports profit equally,” stated Marina Basso Michael. “Latvian logistics profits from the transit traffic with Russia and the other CIS states, making a major contribution to the national gross value-added.”

Latest News

New customs declaration process launched in Belgium

Inbound Release Platform (IRP) has been operating since 1 April 2025. This innovative solution, which... Read more

Kale to develop Oman’s national port communication system

Kale Logistics Solutions (Kale), along with its local partner Novel Muscat, has been awarded the contract... Read more

Estonian-German ports strengthen bilateral relations

Participants at the first German-Estonian Port Days, have demonstrated the impressive way in which bilateral... Read more

Teesport Offshore Gateway - a multi-million pound investment in the River Tees

One of the UK’s major port groups, PD Ports has announced its ambition to develop one of the UK... Read more

Port of Amsterdam achieves CO? reduction target

Port of Amsterdam has achieved its CO? reduction target. The Port of Amsterdam aimed to reduce its corporate... Read more

NSBT celebrates launch of new third berth in Freetown

Nectar Sierra Leone Bulk Terminal (NSBT) is celebrating the operational launch of a new third berth... Read more

Greenhouse gas emissions in port of Rotterdam down by 8%

Greenhouse gas emissions at companies in the port decreased by 1.7 Mton (8%) in 2024 compared to 2023... Read more

Raw materials delivered to British Steel through Immingham

Following the UK government’s passing of an emergency law to take control of British Steel, vital... Read more

Rotterdam takes important step in making shipping more sustainable

Trammo, OCI and James Fisher Fendercare have successfully conducted an ammonia bunkering pilot between... Read more

Bulgarian port’s first order for new Konecranes Gottwald MHCs

BMF Port Burgas AD (BMF), one of Bulgaria’s largest port operators, has ordered two Generation... Read more