CARGO HANDLING IN KLAIPEDA SEAPORT IN 2004

20,2 million tons of cargo was handled in Klaipeda Seaport in 2004, i.e. 4,7 % less to as to the previous year.

Container handling increased from 118 thousand TEU in 2003 up to 174 thousand TEU in 2004. As to compare with 2003 container handling increased by 47 %.

The comparison of cargo handling in 2004 and in 2003 reveals the following – in 2004 the handling of metal and alloys, metal scrap, fast spoiling product grew up – the most favourable conditions for the latter were created due to veterinary control posts in Klaipeda Seaport established in compliance wit the EU requirements.

As in the other Eastern Baltic ports due to poor grain crop and unfavourable Russian railway tariff policy, in grain cargo turnover in Klaipeda Seaport dropped down by 53 percent. Handling of the other main cargo – oil products, Ro-Ro, fertilizers, cement, minerals, timber, sugar, peat reduced either rather insignificantly or remained the same as the last year.