LTG Cargo sets foundations for expansion in Estonia and Latvia
Lithuania-based LTG Cargo is taking steps to begin operations in neighbouring states Estonia and Latvia. The company is in the process of obtaining carrier safety certificates in the two countries. The Lithuanian state-owned carrier made...Read more
First Ukrainian freight train reaches Latvia after a year-and-a-half hiatus
A freight train coming from Ukraine, loaded with rapeseed, reached Latvia for the first time in over a year and a half. The pilot operation was carried out by the Latvian national rail freight company,...Read more
Design of Rail Baltica freight terminal in Latvia gets approved
The Latvian State Railway Technical Inspectorate approved the building design of the Salaspils Intermodal Logistics Center (SILC), one of the main rail freight hubs on the Rail Baltica line. Once it kicks off operations, SILC...Read more
Fluctuating Baltic rail freight figures reflect challenging transition
Cargo transported by rail in the three Baltic countries–Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, has noted fluctuations in the years following 2018. The significant losses of transit traffic, mostly on the east-west axis, have impacted rail freight...Read more
Port of Riga adopts technology to stimulate grain transportation
The Freeport of Riga has acquired new discharging containers to stimulate bulk goods transportation, especially grain. The new equipment could reduce the reloading time from train to vessel by two-thirds, accounting for around 20 hours....Read more
Ukrainian Railways’ Chairman gets real about cooperation with Baltics
The rail cooperation between Ukraine and the Baltic countries “is a rather complex and long-term project”, said Evgeny Lyashchenko, Chairman of the Board of Ukrainian Railways (UZ). One of the fundamental points, he said, is...Read more
Connecting India and Central Asia via Latvia, how and why?
India has the ambition to step closer to Central Asian countries, but direct rail connections from India to Central Asia are unrealistic for mostly geopolitical reasons. Thus, rail-sea intermodal services become the solution, despite the...Read more
Poland plans to ban Ukrainian grain import from September
Poland is ready to ban the import of grain from Ukraine starting from 15 September. Poland is also in conversation with Slovakia and Romania to have them adopt a similar policy. Robert Telus, the Polish...Read more
Only the EU can ensure the success of Ukrainian grain exports
While proposals, some feasible, others not, for Ukrainian grain export alternatives fall like rain, the EU seems the only one able to provide a successful solution to the challenge. “Exporting Ukrainian grain via the Baltics...Read more
‘The Baltic route can be a good solution for Ukrainian grain exports’
Ukrainian grain exports are currently running smoothly also via rail. Congestion is at normal levels; however, in two-three weeks, the new peak export season will be here after the summer harvest. Ukraine’s options for transporting...Read more
Latvian LDZ’s way to staying financially afloat might be in Estonia
INTERVIEWLatvian Railway’s cargo subsidiary in Estonia, SIA LDZ Cargo, might be one of the company’s financial lifelines in these uncertain and challenging times. While the mother group scrumbles for revenue to survive its immense losses,...Read more
Latvian Transport Ministry: ‘Future is bleak, but Baltic cooperation is stronger’
INTERVIEWThe transport sector in the Baltic States is currently in a delicate position since the area constitutes the EU border with Russia and Belarus. In an interview with RailFreight.com, the Latvian Ministry of Transport underlined...Read more
Latvia wants to link the Baltics with Central Asia
Latvia will start a pilot service for transport to the Baltic and Scandinavian countries from Central Asia. It is doing so by linking to the Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA). If succesful, this could create an...Read more
Latvia and Lithuania pledge for collective effort on Russian rail ban
The ministers of transport from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania met for the first time in four years to discuss the ban on the transit of Russian and Belarussian goods on 23 January. Estonia, via its...Read more
LDz cargo launches Estonian service amid attempts for Baltic synergy
A new single safety certificate for transport in Estonia allowed Latvian Railways to launch a new rail freight service in their neighbouring country last week. The service, dedicated to transporting cooking oils for a US...Read more
Standard gauge in all of EU, plans need to be ready by 2025-2026
Every state member of the European Union will need to have a transformation plan to adopt the 1435 mm railway gauge by 2025-2026. This was the outcome of a meeting involving the ministers of transport...Read more
Latvia boosts cooperation with Central Asian countries: the end of the tunnel or a trap?
ANALYSISLatvia and the Baltic States are among the hardest hit countries in terms of rail freight volume losses since the war in Ukraine started. Stranded in Europe’s northeast and on the border with Russia, Latvia...Read moreLatvia sees startling increase in transit cargo from Central Asia
Cargo turnover at Latvian ports reached 23,58 million tonnes in the first half of 2022, an increase of 15,2 per cent compared to 2021 and equivalent to 3,1 million tonnes of cargo. This increase was...Read more
Latvia terminates rail contract with Belarus for military goods
Latvia has suspended rail transport of military cargo from Belarus to its seaports. This was reported by the Lithuanian news website Delfi. The rail contract with Belarus does no longer comply with the legal norms...Read more