The Port of Riga has been one of the main economic drivers of Riga for already 817 years. Also today, the Freeport of Riga is one of the largest employers in the country.
At present, the port employs more than 5,000 people, which operate in 88 companies at the port area - in total, 34 stevedore companies or port terminals, cargo storage companies, production companies, and various shipbuilding and repair companies. In addition, there are about 120 other companies operating in the Port of Riga, which on a daily basis provide shipping agency, supply, control, cargo transportation and handling, tugboat, waste management and hydrotechnical services.
"People form the very basis for the Port's success and development story, that has been forged for centuries," says Ansis Zeltins (Ansis Zeltiņš), CEO of Freeport of Riga. Therefore, the Freeport of Riga Authority annually honours the best and most dedicated employees of port enterprises, who have worked honestly and for a long time in the Port of Riga.
The Port is developed by the people. Although ports are usually associated with ships, cranes, berths or moles, its successful operation is based on the honest and responsible daily work of port employees. The annual honouring of the employees of the port enterprises gives to the Freeport of Riga Authority the opportunity to thank the best ones and to unite the port enterprises, to promote their mutual communication and cooperation, which is also an important function of the Freeport of Riga Authority," said A. Zeltins.
This year, the highest award of the Freeport of Riga – the silver chest badge – was awarded to 6 employees of the port enterprises, who have worked for more than 20 years at the Port of Riga. 35 employees from different port enterprises received certificates of recognition for their long-term work and personal contribution to the operation and growth of the Freeport of Riga.