UN/LOCODE: LVAIZ📍 Latvia

Port of Aizkraukle (UN/LOCODE LVAIZ)

❖ Coordinates: 57.6949°N, 25.2765°E

❖ Time Zone: Europe/Riga

❖ UN/LOCODE: LVAIZ

## About the Port Aizkraukle, designated by the UN/LOCODE as LVAIZ, is a regional port situated in the Burtnieki region of Latvia. Located approximately 60 kilometers southeast of Riga, the capital city, it serves as a vital maritime hub for localized and regional trade within the Baltic Sea area. With coordinates at 57.6949° N latitude and 25.27645° E longitude, the port benefits from Latvia’s strategic position in the northern Baltic, facilitating connections to key European markets. Aizkraukle primarily handles bulk cargo, timber, and industrial goods, catering to Latvia’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Despite its modest scale compared to larger Baltic ports like Riga or Ventspils, it plays a critical role in regional supply chains, leveraging its proximity to the Memel (Daugava) River delta for efficient inland waterway integration. The port’s operations are managed by local authorities and private enterprise entities, reflecting Latvia’s post-Soviet transition toward market-driven logistics. Its infrastructure emphasizes cost-effective handling of less time-sensitive cargo, such as grain, stone, and forest products, which dominate Latvian exports. Aizkraukle’s adaptability to fluctuating trade demands underscores its importance in a Baltic Sea context where smaller ports often fill niche markets. For further details on Baltic port operations, visit the Baltic Sea Ports Association↗. --- ## History Aizkraukle’s port development traces back to Latvia’s Soviet-era economic planning, when the Soviet Union prioritized industrial and agricultural logistics through centralized hubs. During this period, the port was established as part of a network to support timber and grain trade, staples of Latvia’s economy at the time. Post-independence in 1991, Aizkraukle adapted to Latvia’s shift toward a market economy, modernizing infrastructure to meet European Union standards. The 1990s saw limited investment due to Latvia’s economic crisis, but subsequent years have witnessed gradual upgrades, including dock reinforcements and modernization of customs facilities. A significant milestone occurred in the 2010s with Latvia’s integration into the Single Market of the EU. This integration spurred demand for Aizkraukle to handle regulated imports and exports, particularly in forestry and machinery sectors. Today, the port balances its historical role as a regional trade node with modern logistical efficiency, though it remains subordinate to larger Latvian ports in terms of cargo volume. For historical context on Latvian port evolution, see Latvia’s Maritime Heritage↗. --- ## Infrastructure & Facilities Aizkraukle’s infrastructure is tailored to its specialized cargo profile. The port features a deep-water harbor capable of accommodating medium-sized bulk carriers, with docks equipped for handling timber, stone, and agricultural goods. A key facility is its grain silo complex, which processes and stores bulk agricultural exports—a critical asset given Latvia’s status as a major agricultural producer in the Baltic region. Additionally, the port includes a container handling area, though it is underutilized compared to larger Baltic ports, reflecting its focus on non-containerized cargo. The facility also houses a customs office and a small warehouse for temperature-sensitive goods, such as wood products. Recent investments have focused on digitalization, including GPS tracking for cargo movements and automated documentation systems to streamline EU compliance. Environmental considerations are increasingly prioritized, with plans to install shore power facilities to reduce emissions from port vessels. For technical specifications on Baltic port infrastructure, refer to NIMO-PIB↗, which provides Baltic port standards. --- ## Economic Importance Aizkraukle contributes significantly to Latvia’s regional economy, particularly in the Burtnieki economic zone. The port’s handling of timber exports—Latvia’s largest non-oil commodity—generates substantial revenue, with processed wood products accounting for a large share of its cargo. Additionally, it facilitates the import of raw materials for local manufacturing, including steel and machinery, supporting industries in eastern Latvia. The port employs hundreds of direct and indirect workers, from dock workers to logistics coordinators, and stimulates local tourism through its proximity to natural attractions like the Aizkraukle Lake. Its seasonal operations during harvest periods also create employment opportunities. Economically, Aizkraukle serves as a cost-effective alternative to larger ports, reducing transit costs for regional exporters. While not a global trade giant, Aizkraukle’s specialized role positions it as a critical node in Latvia’s maritime logistics network. Its stability supports national trade resilience, particularly during global supply chain disruptions. --- ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo Aizkraukle’s trade routes primarily connect Latvia to other Baltic ports such as Liepaja (Liepāja) in Latvia, Klaipėda in Lithuania, and Helsinki in Finland. It also engages in rail-linked trade with Germany via the Memel River and Daugava River waterway network. Key destinations include Scandinavia for timber and Russia for agricultural inputs. The port’s major cargo includes: - **Bulk goods**: Grain, silage, and liquid fertilizers. - **Timber and wood products**: Wood chips, sawn timber, and treated wood. - **Mineral products**: Stone, sand, and gravel, often destined for construction markets. - **Industrial goods**: Machinery parts and construction materials. Seasonal fluctuations dominate Aizkraukle’s trade patterns, with peak activity during the spring grain harvest and autumn timber export periods. The port’sчерта (character) as a non-year-round facility means its capacity utilization aligns closely with these cycles. For detailed cargo statistics, the World Port Source↗ provides updated Baltic port data.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

LVAIZ

Country

Latvia

Province / Region

Burtnieku novads (Burtnieki)

Latitude

57.694876

Longitude

25.276450

Timezone

Europe/Riga

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Aizkraukle?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Aizkraukle is LVAIZ.

Where is Port of Aizkraukle located?

The Port of Aizkraukle is located in Latvia, Burtnieku novads (Burtnieki). Its coordinates are 57.6949°N, 25.2765°E.

What time zone is Port of Aizkraukle in?

Port of Aizkraukle operates in the Europe/Riga time zone.

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About the World Port Index

This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.

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