OREANDA-NEWS. August 10, 2010. Freight traffic volume though the port of Riga (Latvia) rose to 17,278 million tons in January-July, 2010, a slight 0.4-percent gain from the same period a year earlier. According to the Port Authority, the volume of bulk cargo dropped by 9.6%, to 10.079 million tons, liquid bulk - by the same 9.6 percent, to 3.49 million tons, general cargo soared by 67.6%, to 3.967 million tons.

The volume of handled coal and petroleum products, 39.3% and 20.1% respectively, contributed to the seven-month gain, the Port Authority said. Transshipment of lumber increased by 15.4%, container throughput – by 8.2%, fertilizers volume – by 5.1%.

Freeport of Riga lies on both banks of the Daugava river (Western Dvina), the total area of the port – 6.348 ha, length of berths – 13.818 m, maximum vessel's draft at berths – 12.2 m. Transit cargoes make up 80% of overall freight traffic, carried to / from the CIS countries. In 2009 the Port of Riga posted a 0.5-percent gain in freight volumes, to 29.72 million tons.