Port of Liepāja Maintains Stable Operations in 2025

26. janvāris, 2026

As a multifunctional port, the Port of Liepāja has maintained a stable cargo turnover over the past decade, averaging around 7 million tonnes annually. This trend continued in 2025, when the port handled a total of 6.9 million tonnes of cargo. Compared to the previous year, cargo turnover decreased by 0.19 million tonnes, or 2.53%, while the share of local cargo remained above 52%.

According to the Liepāja SEZ Authority general manager Uldis Hmieļevskis, the transformation of port operations continues as logistics routes and cargo structures evolve.

“Working closely with businesses operating at the Port of Liepāja, as well as with local and national government partners, we have managed to adapt flexibly and effectively to changing market conditions. Some cargo segments have been replaced by new ones, while investments continue in strategic development projects,” said Uldis Hmieļevskis.

Bulk cargo remained the port’s largest cargo group in 2025, reaching a turnover of 4.55 million tonnes. Agricultural cargo continued to dominate this segment, including grain produced by local farmers as well as grain transported from Central Asian countries. Imports of Argentine soybeans and Brazilian sugar destined for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan also continued through the Port of Liepāja during the year.

Although a slight decline was recorded in agricultural cargo and energy resources – including wood chips and pellets – due to the impact of a warm winter and a cold, rainy summer season, growth was observed in the construction materials segment, particularly cement produced in Brocēni.

Within the general cargo category, the highest turnover was generated by ro-ro cargo transported via Stena Line’s regular ferry route between Liepāja and Travemünde. In 2025, the number of transported units increased by 4%.

A major ferry terminal reconstruction project has also been launched. The submission process for construction tenders has been completed, and building works are scheduled to begin this year, with completion planned by the end of 2027. The modernised terminal is expected to strengthen both military mobility and dual-use infrastructure capabilities. The annual value of cargo transported by ferry is estimated at approximately EUR 4 billion.

In the liquid cargo segment, the port succeeded in stabilising operations during 2025 by attracting new food-based liquid cargo flows from Central Asia. Liquid cargo turnover increased to 0.3 million tonnes, with food-based products accounting for 63% of the segment, primarily rapeseed oil and molasses. Overall, liquid cargo volumes at the Port of Liepāja remain comparatively modest.

Throughout 2025, the Liepāja Special Economic Zone Authority continued working with businesses and investors on sustainable industrial development projects linked to the production and supply of renewable energy resources. Work also progressed on military mobility and dual-use infrastructure initiatives, including plans for a future NATO support base at the Port of Liepāja, reconstruction of Pier 46, and the modernisation of port operational processes.

During 2025, the Port of Liepāja served 1,154 ships and 99,942 passengers. Among the most unusual cargo handled during the year were two port cargo unloading units that were fully assembled on-site within six months before being shipped to Canada. Each ship unloader weighed approximately 350 tonnes.

The Port of Liepāja also continues to strengthen its position as a destination for maritime tourism. In 2025, the yacht harbour welcomed 193 yachts, while three cruise ships called at the port during the year. A total of eight cruise ship visits are currently planned for 2026.

Released by:

Līga Ratniece-Kadeģe
Communications and Corporate Governance Specialist
Liepāja Special Economic Zone Authority
Phone: +371 29 233 446
Email: liga.ratniece-kadege@lsez.lv