Ventspils port should become export port for renewable energy and local products - Udodovs

RIGA - The Ventspils port should turn from the fossil energy transit port it was once into a renewable energy and local products export port, Deputy Governor of Ventspils Freeport Igor Udodov told LETA after a meeting with Transport Minister Kaspars Briskens (R) to discuss port development prospects.

"It will not be quick or easy, but we clearly see the potential of Ventspils to join new economic processes, especially becoming a renewable energy hub and participating in the development of the hydrogen economy," Udodov stressed during the meeting.

He also stressed the importance of the development of an export-oriented Latvian industry, including in terms of port cargo turnover, and presented a vision for the future development of the Freeport of Ventspils.

During the meeting, Briskens highlighted Ventspils' achievements in industrial development in the Freeport's industrial zone, adding that by gradually developing industry, Ventspils has become the third largest industrial center in Latvia, while in terms of output per capita, it is ranked first.

On March 14, Briskens met with representatives of the Ventspils port and entrepreneurs to get acquainted with the current information and discuss the port development prospects and the reform of the industry management.

As reported that 10.4 million tons of cargo were handled at Ventspils port terminals last year, which is 29.3 percent less than in 2022. Ventspils port is the second largest port in Latvia in terms of cargo handled.