Germany and Latvia forge closer ties

26 July 2024

Forum in Riga focusing on ports, transport and logistics

Germany and Latvia have forged closer ties on transport, logistics and port relations during the recent Latvian-German Port Forum in Riga, a press release said Tuesday (July 16, 2024). The forum was organised by Port of Hamburg Marketing (HHM) and Lübecker Hafen-Gesellschaft (LHG) with the Latvian Ministry of Transport. This comes after Latvian-German foreign trade came to 1.71 million tonnes while container traffic amounted to around 63,000 standard foot containers (TEU) in 2023.

Port relations to advance European collaboration

The forum was attended by nearly 30 representatives of Hamburg and Lübeck. Emphasis was on reorienting the Latvian transport and logistics sector away from Russian freight. The event proved "an excellent platform for strengthen existing relationships between Latvian and German stakerholders in the port industry and for exploring new business opportunities", according to Marina Basso Michael, HHM Regional Director Europe. Similar challenges exist in reference to digitalisation, environmental protection, hinterland transport and energy logistics. "It is therefore undisputed that the partners, who have been linked since the Hanseatic League, must continue to co-operate closely to jointly shape a modern, resilient and prosperous Europe."

More connections between Lübeck and Liepāja

A Memorandum of Cooperation between the Liepāja Special Economic Zone Authority, LHG and the Hanseatic City of Lübeck should improve links to the Hamburg Metropolitan Region. The memorandum foresees increased connections between Lübeck and Latvia and a "Green Shipping Corridor" to boost ecologically sustainable transport. In addition to the ferry link between Lübeck and Liepaja, rail transport is also to be expanded. The "Rail Baltica" project should integrate the Baltic states into the European railway system and lead to cross-border rail services from 2030. Various projects should such as the EU-funded "Blue Supply Chains" project managed by Hafen Hamburg Marketing and involving Latvian companies should lead to closer German-Latvian realtions in logistics.
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