In January-May . 2009 the port of Riga handled 12,24 million tons of cargo, i.e. by +2,2 % more in comparison with the corresponding period in 2008. The turnover at the port of Riga continues growing due to increase in handling of oil products (+35,3 %), coal (+11,7 %) and dry fertilizers (+13,8 %).
Turnover of bulk and dry cargo in January-May, 2009 in the port of Riga amounted to 7,96 million tons, i.e. by +119,1 thousand tons more than in January-May, 2008. In terms of bulk and dry cargo nomenclature, the biggest growth was recorded in handling of coal (6,24 million tons handled in 2009 or by +11,7 % more than in January-May, 2008 when 5,59 million tons were handled). Turnover of dry fertilizers amounted to 859,3 thousand tons or +13,8 % (755,2 thousand tons handled in January-May, 2008). Handling of coal accounted for 51,0 % of total cargo turnover at the port of Riga.
During the first five months of 2009 the figures in liquid cargo handling in the port of Riga increased by +34,6 % and amounted to 2,75 million tons. Handling of oil products, which accounts for 99,5% of total liquid cargo turnover, has increased by +35,3 %, 2,74 million tons handled.
The amount of general cargo handled in the port of Riga in January-May of this year decreased; 1,52 million tons were handled (-26,9 %, in comparison with January-May of 2008 m.). In terms of general cargo nomenclature, containerized cargoes accounted for 697,4 thousand tons (-11,9 %), and timber for 555,2 thousand tons (-41,9 %).
In January-May of 2009 185,5 thousand passengers visited the port of Riga, while in corresponding period of 2008 this figure was 128,7 thousand (change 44,1 %).
The beginning of cruise season brought 19,02 thousand passengers to the port of Riga, i.e. by 2,4 times more in comparison to May of last year.