Doors to the Future

By Anita Freiberga

In compliance with the Riga city development plan the activities of the Freeport of Riga are based on main principles that are integrated into the new development program for the years 2006-2018. This document stipulates port zoning, providing a solid basis for smooth port integration into urban infrastructure.

Riga, being the biggest municipality, has developed excellent cooperation with public authorities, namely with the Ministry of Transport, facilitating efficient absorbtion of European Structural funds with the aim to modernize infrastructure. In fact, regular financing for railway and motor roads infrastructure development is being provided, that is necessary to improve port operations.

According to the best world practice examples, it is important to re-structure port activities due to further urban development by transferring cargo handling operations from the city center to vacant territories closer to open water basins, thus preventing environment pollution and enhancing port's performance efficiency. This perspective development strategy has been adopted by Riga as well. It is planned to develop tourism, business and recreational activities in the city center, transferring cargo handling operations to the River Daugava estuary, closer to the sea, making cargo route to/from relevant cargo handling terminals considerably shorter.

The Freeport of Riga takes an active part in Riga Festival celebrations by providing organizational and financial support, as well as allowing to use former port territories as festive events' venues. Besides, the part of this beautiful city festival is Formula speedboat race on the River Daugava, tremendous fireworks lightening up the sky over the river with thousands of multi-colored sparks merry boat trips etc. The port of Riga is moving from the center of city, leaving former industrial territories for the city needs - for its day-to-day work and festive events.

Riga is one of the European port-cities that urgently need concept of integrated management of waterfront areas. The perspective of the "Riga Port City" concept, that is going to be developed, might be an efficient tool facilitating this project's implementation.