The Port of Liepaja Made by Mikus Vimba Patriks Misāns Simona Terehova Kaspars Ozoliņš

Content Port history Port authority Main functions The budget Liepajas port today

The History of the Port of Liepaja Original settlement in the place of modern Liepaja was known by the name Lyva (from the name of river on which Liepaja was located). The oldest written text mentioning the name is dated by the 4th of April, The name Liepaja was used after 1560.

Under Duke Jacob Kettler (ruled ), Liepaja became one of the main ports of Courland. Metalworking and ship building became much more developed and trading relations developed not only with nearby countries, but also with Britain, France, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Liepaja and Courland passed to the control of Imperial Russia in 1795 during the Partitions of Poland.

Growth during the nineteenth century was rapid. In the 1870s the rapid development of Russian railways and the 1876 opening of the Liepaja - Romni railway ensured that a large proportion of central Russian trade passed through

Early in the twentieth century the port of Liepaja became a central point of embarkation for immigrants traveling to the United States. In 1906 a direct service to the United States was used by 40,000 migrants a year. By the year 1913, 1738 ships entered Liepaja with 1,548,119 tones of cargo passing through the Port.

During World War I Liepaja was occupied by the German Army. By the orders of Alexander III, Liepaja was fortified against possible seaborne attacks. In the early 20th century on the northern edge of the city a major military base was established, including formidable seaside fortifications and quarters for extensive military personnel. This area became known as Karosta (War Port) and has served military needs throughout twentieth century.

World War II devastated the city. The Soviet occupation of Latvia brought great misery with many thousands arrested and deported to Siberia and thousands fleeing to North America, Australia and Western Europe. During the Soviet occupation, Liepaja was a closed city and even nearby farmers and villagers needed a special permit to enter the city.

Since then, Liepaja has engaged in international co- operation, has found more than 10 twin and partner cities and is an active partner in several co-operation networks. Facilities are being improved as the city hosts Latvia's largest naval fleet and is increasingly important to the NATO.

Liepājas port authority The Liepaja Special Economic Zone Authority is a non - profit management institution established by the state and the local government for performing the duties, envisaged by the respective Law. The SEZ Authority is a legal entity which has its own budget, and is registered as a taxpayer.

Main functions of the Liepaja SEZ Authority: elaboration and implementation of the development plan of the Liepaja SEZ; research and evaluation of the Liepaja Special Economic Zone activities, distribution of information and market research to attract investments; infrastructure development and; provision of services for the Liepaja SEZ companies.

The Budget of the Liepaja Special Economic Zone is constituted of: the revenues gained from the activity of the Liepaja Special Economic Zone Authority; revenues from the privatization of the state and municipal enterprises located in the territory of the Liepaja Special Economic Zone; contributions from the special programs of the state and local government budgets; contributions from various funds.

The Budget of the Liepaja Special Economic Zone is spent for: funding the Liepaja SEZ Authority and its programs; development of infrastructure at the Liepaja Special Economic Zone territory; purchasing pf the real estate within the territory of the Liepaja Special Economic Zone.

Liepajas port today Today the Port of Liepaja looks very much like a construction site – new berths are being built and reconstructed, new infrastructure elements, such as railway and truck access roads are being built.

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