Which ports are important for Latvia’s freight transportation?

Latvia’s favorable geographic location and temperate climate facilitate year-round freight transportation. The country’s primary ports for this activity are located in Riga, Ventspils, and Liepāja.1

• Riga: As the capital, its port is a vital hub that facilitates export and transit trade, particularly connecting Russia and Belarus to European markets.2
• Ventspils: This ice-free port serves as a major site for the export of oil and chemicals, supported by a pipeline originating from the Volga-Urals oil field in Russia.3
• Liepāja: Historically significant for grain exports, this port functions as a deep-sea fishing base and supports various industrial sectors, including steel and agricultural machinery.4

Inland freight is efficiently moved to these main ports via an east-west railway corridor. Additionally, there are several smaller ports situated along the Latvian coast that contribute to the country's maritime infrastructure.1