Latvia, Port, Transport

As reported, the Deputy Mayor of Riga and Chairman of the Board of the Freeport of Riga Ainars Slesers (Latvia's First Party/Latvia's Way) has underlined the need to improve the current passenger terminal at the Port of Riga or construct a new one which would be farther from the city center.

As Loginovs explains, the new terminal would service the passengers who arrive with cruise ships in Riga.

Loginovs admits that for now it is difficult to give any precise estimates of the project as more planning needs to be carried out. "But it is clear that we do need such a terminal," the Head of the Freeport said.

Yesterday Slesers emphasized that it is important for Riga to attract larger cruise ships, whose passengers are ready to spend their money in the Latvian capital. ''I am happy that two large passenger ships docked at the Port of Riga yesterday [August 25], but there should be more. We are working on this,'' said Slesers.

''Cruise ships should dock at the city center, so its passengers could easily reach the city. However, other ships should dock further away,'' said Slesers.

Slesers pointed out that the possibility of constructing a new passenger terminal is being discussed, and that a suitable place is being looked for. ''We will soon come out with specific proposals,'' the vice mayor promised.