Over the weekend, the first ship in the history of Latvia with aviation fuel from the USA was welcomed at the Port of Riga. With the arrival of the ship, SIA “NAFTIMPEKS” presented a new aviation and car fuel filling and discharging ramp – the most up-to-date facility of its kind in the Baltic States. The new ramp is able to provide handling of up to 200,000 tons of fuel per month, supplying both Riga Airport and gas stations throughout Latvia.

“Today we are celebrating two significant events – we are welcoming the first ship from the USA with aviation fuel in the port of Riga and Latvia, and at the same time we are opening a new, most modern fuel filling/discharging ramp in the Baltics. This is an important step in the development of our company – historically, SIA “NAFTIMPEKS” has been a transit company, but to adapt to the new market situation, we have transformed the company. A significant investment is required, still the way is paved for new prospects,” said Ivars Blumbergs, Board Chairman of SIA “NAFTIMPEKS”.

The ship DAS, which was escorted by the icebreaker Varma from the Irbe Strait to the port of Riga in winter conditions, delivered 20,000 tons of aviation fuel, which corresponds to approximately two months’ total aviation fuel consumption at Riga Airport during the winter season. DAS is an oil and chemical tanker built in 2009, measuring 183 meters in length, 32,24 meters in width, and with a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 50,261 tons.

“We are proving today that we can diversify our fuel market. Two or three years ago, no one would have believed that we would be able to provide different types of fuel from the US on the market, but today it is a reality. This promotes competition and diversifies the offer for entrepreneurs and residents. Latvia today can be an example of how, with the persistent work of our entrepreneurs, we can strengthen our transatlantic ties in the field of economy and energy in Europe. The supply of aviation fuel from the USA is a clear proof of Latvia’s ability to build a lasting transatlantic partnership,” said Viktors Valainis, Minister of Economics.

More than two million euros have been invested in the construction of the new ramp. SIA “NAFTIMPEKS” is planning to handle about 10,000 tons of aviation fuel per month, which could amount to 120,000 tons per year. The infrastructure of the new ramp will also be used for filling/discharging diesel and other types of fuel.

“This day is important for the transport and aviation sector. Aviation fuel supplies from the USA and the new ramp will certainly improve the competitiveness of our national airline AirBaltic and our Riga Airport. We look to the future and see that this is only the beginning – we expect both a greater transatlantic component and a sustainability component in the development of our transport sector,” said Kristaps Zaļais, Parliamentary secretary of the Ministry of Transport.

“This event marks another important milestone in the growing energy partnership between the U.S. and Latvia. U.S. energy products – both natural gas and fuels – will strengthen Latvia’s economy and energy security. Today’s aviation fuel supply marks another important milestone – the Latvian aviation sector is being connected to reliable and price-competitive U.S. aviation fuel, which will contribute to the growth of both Air Baltic and Riga Airport,” said Stephanie Kang, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Latvia during the opening event at the new ramp.

“The aviation industry is very important both nationally and internationally. Stable and safe supply of aviation fuel is an essential prerequisite for the continuous operation of the aviation sector and the development of Latvian aviation,” said Laura Vecvanaga-Puķīte, Senior Vice President for Land Operations and Customer Service at JSC Air Baltic Corporation.

The opening and welcome event was attended by the Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Transport Kristaps Zaļais, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Latvia Stephanie Kang, the Deputy Manager of the Freeport of Riga Authority for Port Development Edgars Sūna, the Senior Vice President for Land Operations and Customer Service of JSC Air Baltic Corporation Laura Vecvanaga-Puķīte, as well as the management team of SIA “NAFTIMPEKS”