Riga port company “Riga Universal Terminal” launched an extensive reconstruction of berths
The Freeport of Riga company “Rīga Universal Terminal” (RUT) has entered into an agreement with hydro-technical construction company JSC “BMGS” on reconstruction of two berths on the terminal territory, says the Freeport of Riga Authority (FRA). FRA has transferred berths ZO-1 and ZO-2 to RUT for a long-term lease and early this year the Freeport of Riga Board has supported the company's plan to launch reconstruction project. Currently berths’ reconstruction project has been approved by the Riga City Construction Board, it received all necessary approvals and construction work was started. The agreement with the JSC “BMGS” provides for two berths’ extension, dredging of the water area and storm water sewer system outlet construction.
Riga Universal Terminal is one of the most successful and fast-growing terminals at the port of Riga. The company handles more than 3 million tons of cargo per year and it is one of the five largest port terminals in terms of handled cargo volume. The company offers a variety of dry bulk and general cargo handling services, container storage and handling, cold storage, as well as railway wagons’ storage. In 2013 the company RUT was purchased by a subsidiary of Mitsui & Co. - the Singapore company Portek International Pte. Ltd.
RUT CEO Mr.Ricky Yong: “RUT shareholder - the company Portek - carried out extensive investments into reconstruction of berths in compliance with the company's long-term development plans. We follow market developments in the Baltic region and we are aware of a great development potential. Therefore, we need to develop the company in order to remain competitive and meet customer requirements in the future as well. In order to optimize costs for transportation of cargo, the clients use bigger vessels. This trend applies to all cargo segments - both bulk cargo and containerized cargo and other general cargo. We have to grow up with the customer requirements and be able to accommodate larger vessels at appropriate berths.”
Berth reconstruction project provides for ZO-1 berth extension for 50 meters southwards, reaching 207 meters in length. In addition two mooring piles will be built and lighting to be installed. It is planned to maintain the existing depth scale - 10.25 meters BAS (Baltic height system). As for the berth ZO-2 - it is planned to extend it northward for 96.8 meters, reaching 260 meters in length. It is planned to carry out a new underwater sheet piling wall construction at the berth. After reconstruction the planned depth mark at the berth shall be 12 meters BAS. Backfilling works for new berth area will be carried out on the territory of 3,710 m2, dredging works will be carried out in the water area on the territory of 7746 m2. The project will also provide for construction of a storm water sewer with local treatment plant and outlet.
The JSC “BMGS”, the reconstruction operator, is one of the most experienced companies in the Baltic countries in the field of hydro engineering and construction, with a number of successfully implemented projects at Riga port. The main business areas of the company - construction of port structures, any kind of pile foundations, bridges, railway structures, water supply and sewerage systems, as well as design and geotechnical survey.
Reconstruction of both berths is to be completed by December 2017.
