The Port of Riga has marked a historic milestone by receiving Latvia's first aviation fuel shipment from the United States. This significant event was accompanied by the opening of a state-of-the-art fuel filling and discharging ramp, designed to handle up to 200,000 tons of fuel each month for Riga Airport and surrounding enterprises.
SIA Naftimpeks, previously a transit-oriented company, has invested in modernizing its infrastructure to meet evolving market needs. The inaugural delivery by the tanker DAS brought 20,000 tons of aviation fuel, enough to cover nearly two months of Riga Airport's winter fuel requirements. Icebreaker Varma escorted the vessel through icy Baltic conditions during its arrival.
Enhancing Energy Security and Regional Ties
Officials underscored this development's significance for Latvia's energy independence, as well as its capacity to foster transatlantic energy cooperation. The new facility, costing over two million euros, aims to support around 10,000 tons of aviation fuel monthly and accommodate other fuel types, bolstering the region's fuel supply resilience.
“The supply of aviation fuel from the USA and the new ramp will certainly improve the competitiveness of our national airline AirBaltic and our Riga Airport,”
said Kristaps Zaļais, Parliamentary secretary at the Ministry of Transport.
This strategic infrastructure is expected to promote competition, create economic opportunities, and enhance the Baltic region's energy security in the face of geopolitical challenges.
