Nestled along Latvia's southern coast, the ice-free port of Liepāja has emerged as a vital hub for shipping and trade, connecting land and sea through its strategic location and rich maritime heritage.
Port Overview
Positioned between the Baltic Sea's southern shore and Liepāja Lake, Latvia's third-largest city boasts a naturally ice-free harbor that serves as an ideal platform for barges and urban shipping. Located approximately 200 kilometers from Riga and just 50 kilometers from the Lithuanian border, Liepāja's geographic advantages have established it as a key regional transportation nexus.
The port complex spans 810 hectares, featuring commercial waterways, an avant-port, free port, and winter harbor — all maintaining ice-free conditions to ensure uninterrupted maritime operations. Of the total 370 hectares dedicated to commercial use, the facility offers about 7,000 meters of berthing space with water depths ranging from 4.5 to 10.5 meters, accommodating diverse vessel types.
Port Operations
Liepāja Port handles a comprehensive range of cargo, including general goods, timber, metals, fertilizers, and various bulk/liquid commodities. Beyond freight services, the port supports roll-on/roll-off vessels, passenger ships, and fishing fleets while enhancing local tourism through summer yacht services.
Recent traffic statistics reveal the port's robust activity: approximately 1,500 annual vessel calls , 4.19 million tons of cargo throughput , 7,700 TEUs of container traffic, and around 150 passenger arrivals . Seasonal navigation rules govern operations — vessels exceeding 100 meters length operate during summer months, while winter accommodates ships of 100 meters or less.
Dimensions & Seasonal Considerations
The port accommodates vessels up to 220 meters in length , 35 meters in beam , with a maximum 9.5-meter draft . Operational seasons are clearly defined: winter navigation runs from November 1 to March 31 , while summer operations span April 1 through October 31 , allowing for adaptive seasonal utilization.
Through its ice-free properties and developed infrastructure, Liepāja Port continues to strengthen Latvia's position in maritime trade, fisheries, and tourism. As both a freight corridor and passenger gateway, this Baltic harbor demonstrates enduring significance in economic exchange and cultural connectivity.
