Throughput of Liepaja port down 15.2% to 1.15 mln t in Q1 09

In the first quarter of 2009, the port of Liepaja handled 1.152 million tonnes of cargo (-15.2%, year-on-year), PortNews IAA learnt from Ivo Kolins, Head of Liepaja SEZ Investment and Marketing Department. According to the source, the port’s March throughput increased by 3.9%, year-on-year, to 375,800 tonnes. 

In January-March, 2009, transshipment of liquid bulk cargo fell by 65.9% to 99,600 tonnes including 33,200 tonnes of crude (-50.3%, year-on-year) and 52,700 tonnes of oil products (-75.3%, year-on-year).

Transshipment of grain and cereal products fell by 3% to 385,600 tonnes, timber – by 14.6% to 120,900 tonnes.

In the reported period, transshipment of general cargo increased by 33.2% to 406,800 tonnes.

The port of Liepaja is the third busiest port of Latvia. The port’s infrastructure enables it to accept vessels with maximal draft of up to 9.5 m and length of up to 225 m. There are 16 terminals in the port. Half of its turnover is formed by oil products and dry loose cargo from CIS countries mainly Byelorussia. In 2008, the port of Liepaja handled 4.19 million tonnes of cargo.