Cargo, Latvia, Logistics, Port, Security, Transport

The military cargo has been delivered to Latvia as part of Strong Europe initiative and Operation Atlantic Resolve. More than 60 U.S. soldiers from the 3rd Battalion of the 501st Aviation Regiment have already arrived in Latvia to train alongside Latvian troops and to take part in multinational military exercises in Latvia.

The port’s representatives said that the Independence II is one of the largest ro-ro ships, or vessels meant for the transportation of rolling stock, to ever dock in Riga port. The ship is 199 meters long and 32 meters wide, and its draft is 11 meters.

The ship docked and was unloaded in the territory of Riga Universal Terminal (RUT). To receive NATO’s military support and ensure Latvia’s full involvement in NATO activities, the port has to be able to provide services in line with all security standards and technical requirements, the port’s representatives said.

RUT vice-CEO Janis Kasalis said that the handling of each NATO ship and its cargo means training also for the port of Riga and the terminal. So far, the U.S. vessels Liberty and Independence have been the largest ro-ro vessels to be handled at RUT and Riga port.