UN/LOCODE: LVVNT📍 Latvia

Port of Ventspils (UN/LOCODE LVVNT)

❖ Coordinates: 57.2834°N, 21.8588°E

❖ Time Zone: Europe/Riga

❖ UN/LOCODE: LVVNT

## About the Port Ventspils Port (UN/LOCODE: LVVNT) represents one of Latvia's most strategically significant maritime facilities, positioned on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea within the Gulf of Riga. This major commercial port serves as a critical gateway for Northern European trade, handling approximately 12 million tons of cargo annually. The port's coordinates at 57.2833682°N, 21.8587558°E place it directly adjacent to the city of Ventspils in the Ventspils municipality, creating seamless integration between port operations and urban infrastructure. The facility operates under the Europe/Riga timezone and functions as a comprehensive mixed-use port accommodating bulk cargo, container traffic, roll-on/roll-off vessels, and passenger ferries. Ventspils Port's strategic location provides direct access to the open Baltic Sea while maintaining proximity to major European waterways through the Vistula River system and connecting canal networks. The port's infrastructure includes dedicated grain terminals, oil storage facilities, and modern container handling equipment operated by professional maritime logistics companies. ## History The maritime heritage of Ventspils extends back centuries, with the natural harbor first documented in medieval chronicles during the 13th century. However, the modern port development began in earnest during the Soviet era when the facility was known as Ventspils Shipyard No. 16, serving Soviet naval interests and industrial requirements. The comprehensive reconstruction following Latvia's independence in 1991 transformed the former military-industrial complex into a civilian commercial port. The post-Soviet period witnessed significant investment in port modernization, including the construction of new container terminals, bulk cargo handling facilities, and passenger ferry infrastructure. The European Union accession in 2004 catalyzed further development, enabling integration into EU maritime transport networks and attracting substantial foreign investment in port infrastructure. The completion of the Ventspils Free Port economic zone in the early 2000s further enhanced the facility's competitiveness through streamlined customs procedures and tax incentives. ## Infrastructure & Facilities Ventspils Port encompasses over 1,200 meters of deep-water quay infrastructure, with draft depths reaching 10.5 meters, accommodating large commercial vessels up to Panamax size. The container terminal features state-of-the-art gantry crane operations, automated stacking systems, and direct rail connections enabling efficient cargo transfer between ship, rail, and road transport modes. The facility includes dedicated roll-on/roll-off facilities with ro-ro ramps designed for heavy machinery and automotive cargo handling. Bulk cargo operations are supported by specialized grain silos with 180,000-ton capacity, oil storage tanks totaling 400,000 cubic meters, and comprehensive coal handling infrastructure. The passenger terminal accommodates modern ferry vessels, providing international crossing services to Swedish and Finnish destinations with facilities meeting EU maritime safety standards. Recent infrastructure investments have included the construction of new grain terminals, expanded container storage areas, and upgraded electrical and communication systems supporting digital port management technologies. ## Economic Importance Ventspils Port serves as a cornerstone of Latvia's maritime economy, directly employing over 2,000 workers while supporting an additional 8,000 jobs in related industries including shipping, logistics, and marine services. The port generates annual economic output exceeding €300 million, contributing significantly to national GDP and regional development. The facility's competitiveness stems from its strategic Baltic Sea location, modern infrastructure, and efficient administrative processes operating within the broader Baltic Sea shipping lanes network. The Ventspils Free Port economic zone enhances the facility's attractiveness for international trade through preferential tax regimes, streamlined customs procedures, and integrated logistics services. Major corporate tenants including Scandinavian cargo operators and European retail supply chains utilize the port for transhipment activities, while the facility serves as a critical distribution hub for Baltic and Nordic markets. The port's economic impact extends to supporting regional tourism through passenger ferry services connecting local communities with international destinations. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo Ventspils Port operates within the primary Baltic Sea shipping corridors, connecting Northern European markets with Central and Eastern European inland destinations. The facility's container traffic focuses on standard containerized cargo including consumer goods, automotive components, and manufactured products flowing between Western European ports and emerging Eastern European markets. Grain exports represent the largest bulk cargo category, with the port serving as a key node in the Baltic grain export network connecting domestic producers with international food processors. The roll-on/roll-off segment accommodates substantial automotive cargo flows, particularly for Scandinavian markets, utilizing dedicated car carriers and general cargo vessels. Oil product transhipment operations serve regional energy distribution networks, while the port handles significant volumes of coal and other solid fuels for power generation facilities. Passenger ferry services operate regular schedules connecting Ventspils with Swedish ports including Karlshamn and Kapellskär, providing crucial maritime connectivity within the Baltic Sea region.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

LVVNT

Country

Latvia

Province / Region

Ventspils

Latitude

57.283368

Longitude

21.858756

Timezone

Europe/Riga

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Ventspils?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Ventspils is LVVNT.

Where is Port of Ventspils located?

The Port of Ventspils is located in Latvia, Ventspils. Its coordinates are 57.2834°N, 21.8588°E.

What time zone is Port of Ventspils in?

Port of Ventspils 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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