Ferry traffic between Riga and Stockholm could be resumed no earlier than 2026 / day

The ministry explains that the renovation of the ferry line from Riga needs support for state and municipalities. The MoU prepares an informative report on the necessary support, its deadline and conditions to resume ferry traffic from Riga. It is planned to complete the document in the coming months and submit the legislation to the Portal in order to examine the Cabinet.

Minister of Transport Kaspars Briškens (P) points out that the MoU believes a priority to focus on passengers, as freight transport can be from Ventspils and Liepaja. « In my opinion, it is important for Riga to enter tourists, promoting economic contributions, » Brišken says.

The MoU has met with several merchants, discussing the possible recovery of regular ferry lines from Riga to Stockholm, as well as potentially on Helsinki. In discussions with merchants, it has been found that ferry traffic would have already been restored if it was commercially profitable.

Accordingly, state and municipal support is required to ensure this type of traffic resumption. Following the Covid-19 pandemic and Russian warfare in Ukraine, the market situation has changed, as well as traveling habits. When planning the resumption of ferry traffic from Riga, support for the renovation of the ferry line would be terminated (two or three years) and to include support for environmental improvements and various tariffs. It is also necessary to decide whether ferry traffic will be targeted at passengers or cargo.

At the same time, in the case of state aid, such a decision should be coordinated with the European Commission. According to the MoU, there will be no legal challenges, but the harmonization process will take time and ferry traffic could be resumed at least 2026.