The Port of Riga has welcomed the first ship in the history of Latvia with aviation fuel from the US.
With the arrival of the ship, SIA “NAFTIMPEKS” presented a new aviation and car fuel filling and discharging ramp – the most up-to-date facility of its kind in the Baltic States.
The new ramp is able to provide handling of up to 200,000 tonnes of fuel per month, supplying both Riga Airport and petrol stations throughout Latvia.
The ship DAS, which was escorted by the icebreaker Varma from the Irbe Strait to the Port of Riga in winter conditions, delivered 20,000 tonnes of aviation fuel, which corresponds to approximately two months’ total aviation fuel consumption at Riga Airport during the winter season.
DAS is an oil and chemical tanker built in 2009, measuring 183 metres in length, 32.24 metres in width, and with a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 50,261 tonnes.
More than €2 million ($2.3 million) has been invested in the construction of the new ramp. SIA “NAFTIMPEKS” is planning to handle about 10,000 tonnes of aviation fuel per month, which could amount to 120,000 tonnes per year.
The infrastructure of the new ramp will also be used for filling and discharging diesel and other types of fuel.
The opening and welcome event was attended by the Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Transport Kristaps Zaļais, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Latvia Stephanie Kang, the Deputy Manager of the Freeport of Riga Authority for Port Development Edgars Sūna, the Senior Vice President for Land Operations and Customer Service of airBaltic Laura Vecvanaga-Puķīte, as well as the management team of SIA “NAFTIMPEKS”.
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Ivars Blumbergs, Board Chairman of SIA “NAFTIMPEKS”, said: “Today we are celebrating two significant events – we are welcoming the first ship from the USA with aviation fuel in the port of Riga and Latvia, and at the same time we are opening a new, most modern fuel filling and discharging ramp in the Baltics.
“This is an important step in the development of our company – historically, SIA “NAFTIMPEKS” has been a transit company, but to adapt to the new market situation, we have transformed the company. A significant investment is required; still, the way is paved for new prospects.”
For more information:
Port of Riga – https://rop.lv/en
