Last week, an in-depth investigation of free territories of the Freeport of Riga was completed at Spilve Meadows. According to the Port of Riga Authority, results of the geodetic investigation yielded recommendations on the compatibility of the Spilve Meadows territory with various types of constructions and development projects. During the research, 3D visual modelling was also performed, an important precondition for the future development of the territory, attraction of investors and promoting the competitiveness of the Port of Riga.
Deputy CEO of the Freeport of Riga for Port Development Matters Edgars Sūna reveals: “Nowadays, it is not enough to provide just cargo handling services to customers of the port. A modern port must offer the widest range of logistic services possible. Due to the increasing container flow at the Port of Riga, in recent years we are seeing a continuous tendency – a rising demand for general cargo warehouses and a range of other related services. Investigation and visual modelling of Spilve Meadows was necessary to ensure we are able to satisfy the increasing market demand for universal warehouses in the future.”
The preliminary geodetic investigation and modelling of the territorial development covers a 66 ha area of the Freeport of Riga on the left bank of the Daugava River, in the Spilve Meadows. The territorial development model demonstrates connections of potential communication networks, a road network connection with the Daugavgrīva road, and the placement of a new railway line. Eight warehouses or manufacturing buildings, each with an area of 10,000 sq. m, could be constructed within the total construction area, which is 81,000 m2. Locations of administrative buildings, roads and cargo areas are also shown in the model.
Sūna continues: “Competition for cargoes is becoming even more intense. Clients expect a wider range of higher quality services from ports. In order to provide it, we need territories where new services can be developed. The Port of Riga is in a privileged position, as we have free territory available for development. The majority of ports in Europe suffer from a lack of free territories that could be used for implementation of their ideas.”
Bringing investors in the Port of Riga is closely related to the availability of appropriate territories and opportunities to put their ideas into action. “Before providing our territory to investors, it is important to assess the technical capabilities to create a logistical infrastructure here as well as to develop our own vision about the future of this territory. The geodetic investigation and development of the vision for Spilve Meadows is an important step for the Port of Riga to attract investment,” Sūna is convinced.