Analytics, Cargo, Latvia, Port, Railways, Transport

46.9 mln tons of freights were carried by land and pipeline transport, a decrease of 10.3 mln tons or 18.1 % compared to a year ago.

In the 1^st half of 2020rail transport freights comprised 11.6 mln tons, which is 47.2 % less than in the 1^st half of 2019. National freights by rail comprised 0.6 mln tonnes – 5.6 % more. International freights by rail reduced by 48.7 %, of which export freight transport – by 7 %, import freight transport – by 52.8 %, but goods in transit – by 38.6 %. Freights carried at Latvian ports comprised 70 % of international freights.

fFreights by road comprised 34.4 mln tons, which is 1.9 % more than in the 1^st half of 2019. National freights comprised 26.7 mln tonnes, 8.8 % more. International freights accounted for 7.7 mln tons – 16.5 % less. Of which export freight transport comprised 1.9 mln tons – 19.6 % less. Import freight transport fell by 8.1 % and comprised 1.4 mln tons of freight. Cross-trade and cabotage freights comprised 4.4 mln tons, which is 17.5 % less than in the corresponding period of the previous year. 75 % of total road freights were transportation for hire or reward. They fell by 4.5 %.

0.9 mln tonnes of oil products were transported via main pipeline, which is 44% less.

Freight transport by road and pipeline transport in the first half
(million tonnes)

In the 1^st quarter of 2020 freight traffic by land and pipeline transport reduced by 23.4%, but in the 2^nd quarter – by 13.7%.

Freight transport by road and pipeline transport in quarters of 2020
(million tonnes)

In the first half year significant drop in freight turnover at all ports

In the first half of 2020 freight turnover at Latvian ports was the lowest over the last five years. In the 1^st half of 2020 freights loaded and unloaded at ports comprised 22.6 mln tons, which is 30.1% less than in the 1^st half of 2019. Freight turnover at Riga port was 11.8 mln tonnes, 26.7% less, at Ventspils port – 6.8 mln tonnes or 41.1% less, at Liepāja port – 3.1 mln tonne or 15.6% less, but at minor ports – 0.9 mln tonnes or 11.8% less.

In the 1^st half of 2020 freights loaded at ports comprised 17.7 mln tons, which is 35.9 % less than in the 1^st half of 2019. Volume of main freights shipped reduced. Most significant was drop of volume of coal loaded onto ships by 7.7 mln tonnes or 78.3%. Oil products shipped reduced by 1.3 mln tonnes or 24%. Volume of timber loaded reduced by 20.5%, of freights in containers – by 7%, of roll on/roll off – by 8.4%, of mineral fertilisers – by 11.6%, of grain and grain products – by 6%. But volume of wood chips increased by 3.1%.

4.9 mln freights were unloaded at ports, their volume rose by 4.3%. Oil products unloaded increased significantly – by 0.5 mln tonnes or 38.2 %. Volume of iron ore unloaded rose by 16.9%. But the volume of unloaded freights in containers and roll on/ roll off fell by 8% and 14%, respectively. Volume of various metals and articles thereof fell by 7.6%.

In the 1^st quarter of 2020 freight turnover at ports reduced by 29.3%, but in the 2^nd quarter – by 31%.

Freights loaded and unloaded at Latvian ports in quarters of 2020
(million tonnes)

Airport “Rīga” loaded and unloaded 9.9 thousand tonnes of freights or 25.7% less.