Cargo turnover at Latvian ports in the 4th quarter of 2011 comprised 17.8 million tons, which is 13.9% more than in the 4th quarter of 2010, according to the data of the Central Statistical Bureau. Altogether in 2011 the amount of loaded cargo at Latvian ports reached 68.8 million tons, which is 12.5% more than a year before. In the 4th quarter of 2011, passenger turnover at Riga International Airport comprised 1.1 million passengers – an increase of 4.4% as compared to the 4th quarter of 2010.

In the 4th quarter of 2011 the amount of loaded cargo at Latvian ports comprised 15.6 million tons, which is 10.9% more than in October – December 2010. Coal constituted more than one third (34.5%) of the loaded cargo, followed by oil products – 31.6%. In October – December 2011, the volume of cargo unloaded at the ports in Latvia comprised 2.2 million tons, which is 40.5% more as compared to October – December 2010. Cargo in containers comprised 19.8% of the unloaded cargo, roll on/roll off cargo – 16.3%, oil products – 14.8% and coal – 12.1%.

As compared to the 4th quarter of 2010, cargo turnover at Riga port in the 4th quarter of 2011 increased by 9.1% and comprised 8.9 million tons. 7.7 million tons of cargo were loaded at the port, which is 5.2% more than in October – December 2010, whereas 1.2 million tons were unloaded, which is an increase of 43.4% Cargo turnover at the port of Ventspils in the 4th quarter of 2011 constituted 7.2 million tons, and it is a rise of 23.1%, as compared to the 4th quarter of 2010. The volume of loaded cargo increased by 20.9% and comprised 6.6 million tons, whereas the volume of unloaded cargo increased by 48.5%.

Cargo turnover at the port of Liepaja in the 4th quarter of 2011 constituted 1.4 million tons – an increase of 12.1%, as compared to the 4th quarter of 2010. 1 million tons of cargo were loaded at the port of Liepaja – an increase of 8.3 % as compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.In its turn, the volume of unloaded cargo grew by 26.1%. Cargo turnover at minor ports in the 4th quarter of 2011 declined till 0.3 million tons, and this is a decrease of 17.2% as compared to the 4th quarter of 2010. In the 4th quarter of 2011, there were 151.4 thousand passenger arrivals and departures at Riga Passenger Port, which is an increase of 1.9% as compared to October – December 2010.

Source: www.baltic-course.com