The second stage of construction work at the Krievu Island Terminal is almost complete. According to statement of the Freeport of Riga Authority, work progress was confirmed by the Freeport of Riga board members during an on-site visit earlier today. Construction of all additional infrastructure performed by the Freeport of Riga Authority in the territory of the Strek SIA stevedoring company is 100% complete and constructions have been put into service. Construction work in the territory of the other stevedoring company, Riga Coal Terminal SIA, is also done and the object is put into service. Harmonising of the executive documentation is also in progress, which will be finalised in the second half of December.
“Today we checked that there are no technological obstacles to transfer dry bulk operations from the right bank of the Daugava River – the territories of Andrejsala and Eksportosta – to Krievu Island, which is one of the most modern multi-functional terminals in the Baltic Sea region. The relocation of dry bulk handling technologies to the new terminal is actively taking place, demonstrating the successful start of the transfer process. The removal of coal cargo from Andrejsala and Eksportosta will commence in the near future, and within the next few months coal will all be in the past,” claims the chairman of the board of the Freeport of Riga, Andris Ameriks.
During the second stage of the Krievu Island project construction of all communications has been completed, including electric supply cables, water supply and sewage systems, as well as the construction of cargo platforms and railway. Concrete-slab and asphalt cover has been constructed for cargo platforms. In the interest of observing environmental protection requirements and protecting the quality of life for those living in urban areas adjacent to Krievu Island, a windbreak fence, 23 metres high and over 2 km long, has been built. The most important function of the windbreak fence is to effectively dampen the effects of dominating winds on the coal piles, preventing coal dust from blowing into the air and ending up in the environment.
The stevedoring companies are building administrative and process buildings as well as supplying and installing special-purpose equipment for coal handling, crushing, transportation and loading onto ships. The adjustment of settings for the installed technological equipment and the preparatory work to start the transhipment of coal have already begun. The work by the stevedoring companies in the territories will be fully completed by the end of this year.
“We are pleased that all parties involved in the project, both stevedoring companies and construction workers, have been able to meet their obligations and deadlines which, of course, required a great deal of effort by everyone. Nevertheless, the result is well worth it. The Krievu Island Terminal is ready for its launch, and soon the first coal cargoes will arrive here,” said Ansis Zeltiņš, CEO of the Freeport of Riga.
To free the centre of Riga from coal cargo and transfer the handling of coal to the new terminals equipped with modern technologies on Krievu Island, in 2012 the Freeport of Riga Authority commenced the project Development of Infrastructure on Krievu Island for the Transfer of Port Activities from the City Centre. On 31 December 2015, the construction of the principal infrastructure of the Krievu Island Terminal was completed, which included 4 deep-water piers (15.5 m) with the combined length of 1,180 metres and the necessary access road and utility infrastructure.