A newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ports of Stockholm, Freeport of Riga Authority and Riga Ropax Terminal is expected to be the driving force behind a joint application for European Union (EU) funding to reduce the impact of port activities on the environment and climate in the areas surrounding the passenger terminals in the aforementioned capital cities.
Latvia's Freeport of Riga aims to build a sustainable foundation for the future reintroduction of the maritime transport route between the neighbouring countries and to ensure climate neutrality.
The MoU and the future joint project also aim to fulfill the EU "Fit for 55" goal to reduce net emissions of greenhouse gases by at least 55% by the year 2030.
Ansis Zeltins, CEO of the Freeport of Riga Authority, commented, "Riga and Stockholm have a very long-going history of maritime ties. The development of environmentally-friendly and future-oriented passenger infrastructure, as well as the improvement of connectivity within our port, is a key strategic goal for Freeport of Riga."
He added, "The signing of this Memorandum emphasises our joint effort to address existing and future environmental challenges, particularly in the scarce Baltic Sea region, while promoting the development of modern port infrastructure and building sustainable and 'green' passenger and freight services between our ports."
Representatives of Ports of Stockholm, Freeport of Riga Authority and Riga Ropax Terminal signed the agreement to collaborate and jointly apply to the EU for funding for the project at Sweden's Stockholm City Hall on 14 June.
