Klaipeda port cargo turnover down 13% Jan-Sep, 2009
Cargo turnover of the Klaipeda port (Lithuania) decreased by 13.1% (to 20.12 million tons) in January-September, 2009 as compared to the corresponding period in 2008, informed the port Administration. Lithuanian port turnover amounted to 2.28 million tons in September, 2009 which is 8.1% less as compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.
The highest turnover increase rates in January-September, 2009 are recorded in such sectors as bulk cargo shippings, agricultural products loading (+22%) and bulk peat (3.2-time increase). Turnover volumes growth of molasses shippings (+7.9%) and packed fertilizers (+3.3%) is also recorded in 2009 as compared to the first three quarters of 2008. At the same time the port witnessed its container turnover decrease by 34.8% (to 181, 608 TEU) within the aforementioned period. Ro-Ro cargo amounted to 129, 971 units.
Volumes of bulk cargo shippings reduced to 7.3% and those of general cargo shippings – by 17.9% in September, 2009 as compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. In September container throughput amounted to 19, 315 TEU which is 37.9% less as compared to the same month, 2008.
Butinge terminal crude oil throughput amounted to 700.4 thousand tons in September, 2009 which is 12.8% less as compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.
The Klaipeda port is the northernmost ice-free port on the East coast of the Baltic Sea. It is the biggest transportation center of the Republic of Lithuania that links sea and overland routes. 17 stevedoring, shipreparing and shipbuilding companies providing the whole range of services related to maritime business and cargo handling operate in the port. Capacity of the port amounts to 40 million tons of various cargoes annually.