On March 6, 2026, the modernized liquefied propane gas  terminal and newly built infrastructure of SIA “Latvijas Propāna Gāze” was presented in the port of Riga. Being the only terminal of this type in the Baltics it will further ensure the reception and handling of large-sized transatlantic liquefied gas tankers. SIA “Latvijas Propāna Gāze” has invested EUR 10 million in the modernization of the terminal and the new infrastructure was put into operation in January 2026. It is expected that this year 400,000 tons of liquefied natural gas from the USA will be transhipped at the Port of Riga, thus significantly bolstering the energy security of Latvia and the entire region.

“The modernization of the Riga Port terminal is a strategic step in strengthening Latvia’s energy security and diversification of supplies. Thanks to the company’s targeted investments, Latvia is becoming an important energy hub in the Baltic region, capable of receiving transatlantic supplies and providing them not only to the local market, but also to neighbouring countries. At the same time, such investments boost the competitiveness of our ports and the resilience of the economy in the face of geopolitical uncertainty,” emphasized Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis.

In recent years, SIA “Latvijas Propāna Gāze” has provided significant investments in the development and modernization of infrastructure. In 2019, in response to the geopolitical situation, the company launched a targeted project to modernize the terminal. The railway infrastructure of the terminal was improved, and the number of tracks was expanded, as well as additional sites for loading/unloading railway trucks were built. In 2024, after the turmoil in the global energy market, the company started designing and building infrastructure for unloading large-sized LPG tankers. A 780-meter-long gas pipeline from the deep-water pier to the terminal of SIA “Latvijas Propāna Gāze” as well as modern technology complex for reheating LPG in order to unload large ships were built. Liquefied gas is transported by vessels at a temperature of -43o C, which, after unloading at the terminal, is reheated to ambient temperature by a special technology.

“This project is a good example of how targeted investments in port infrastructure expand the possibilities of the Latvian transport and logistics system. The Port of Riga is capable of accommodating increasingly larger vessels ensuring efficient onward transport of cargo by rail and road to the Baltic and Northern European markets. This strengthens Latvia’s role as an important logistics hub in the Baltic Sea region,” emphasized Kristaps Zaļais, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport.

Due to the upgraded infrastructure the LPG can be reloaded directly from the large ship to smaller vessels for further delivery to clients in Finland and the Scandinavian countries. At the same time, modernization has significantly increased the safety of loading processes at the terminal. The unloading infrastructure for large LPG vessels has a multi-level automatic safety system that is autonomous, thus eliminating the possibility of errors and enhancing terminal safety. Within the framework of the project, the expanded railway capabilities make it possible to fully provide for the Latvian market, as well as to meet the LPG demand of Lithuania and Estonia. Regular deliveries to Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania and Estonia are provided by road transport from the port of Riga – on average, 110 trucks per day deliver LPG from the terminal of SIA “Latvijas Propāna Gāze” outside Latvia’s borders.

“The geopolitical changes of recent years have highlighted the critical need of a diversified and reliable energy supply chain. The modernization of the terminal in the Port of Riga makes it possible to import liquefied propane gas from western countries, as well as to ensure supplies to the Baltic and Eastern European markets. As an Estonian investor, we have been developing strategic energy projects for more than 30 years. On the basis of Alexela, AVH Grupp has created one of the largest portfolios of energy services in Estonia, invested in the LNG terminal in Hamina in Finland, and now in the infrastructure of SIA “Latvijas Propāna Gāze” in Riga, strengthening the energy security of the entire region,” emphasized Heiti Hääl, Chairman of the Council and main shareholder of SIA “Latvijas Propāna Gāze”.

The start of regular propane gas supplies from the USA to the port of Riga was marked by the call of the tanker CERRO ALTO EXPLORER, which has arrived at the port of Riga with 20,000 tons of liquefied propane gas on February 28. This is an important step in enhancing Latvia’s energy security and developing the Port of Riga, making it a reliable transatlantic energy hub in the Baltic region. CERRO ALTO EXPLORER is a liquefied propane gas tanker, built in 2023. The vessel has a length of 180 meters, a beam of 29 meters, and a gross tonnage (GT) of 26,515.

“The commencement of LPG deliveries from the USA and accommodation of large vessels at the terminal of SIA “Latvijas Propāna Gāze” certifies the ability of the Port of Riga companies to diversify their business, develop modern sustainable port infrastructure, attract high value-added cargo from Western partners, and as a result increase the overall competitiveness of the Port of Riga,” pointed out Ansis Zeltiņš, the Freeport of Riga CEO.

Previously, the terminal had a berth, which could handle only small ships with a capacity of up to 3000 tons. Such LPG vessels sail mostly in the Baltic Sea and along the European coastline, but do not engage in transatlantic deliveries.

SIA “Latvijas Propāna Gāze” will continue to invest in the terminal’s development. There are plans to expand the LPG storage capacity, and solutions are being actively sought to launch a new terminal expansion project in the near future.