The Port of Riga has announced the implementation of a new digital access and pass system.
The port noted that both guests and freight trucks will now access the Port of Riga by scheduling an appointment online and submitting and verifying documentation digitally rather than on paper.
In recent years, the Port of Riga has been actively trying to digitise security and access operations, with the goal of transitioning to a totally electronic document flow when visiting the port area.
The port now maintains a number of information systems that allow for the use of digital access solutions, such as checks on visitor applications, personal data, supplied papers, biometric facial recognition of visitors, and automobile number plate analysis.
Until now, the digital access and pass system has only been applied to visitors and employees of the Port of Riga.
Ansis Zeltiņš, the Freeport of Riga CEO, said: “The electronic port access system is only the first stage on the way to the comprehensive digitisation of the Port of Riga’s cargo flow.
“Eventually, the port and the city should introduce traffic regulation solutions to avoid congestion, ensure smooth flows of freight transport, and revitalise urban traffic planning, which will reduce the negative impact of freight transport on the urban environment and the surrounding neighbourhoods.”
Such solutions have been linked to numerous terminals at the port, easing the workload of the terminal, drivers and carriers, and port police.
In the future, the digitised access and pass system is expected to dramatically minimise handling time per truck, increasing the pace of cargo flow in the port.
By decreasing physical touch between the many stakeholders, the port hopes to better organise inbound and outgoing transit movements, as well as provide more efficient control and record-keeping.
Furthermore, digitalised contactless systems are fast, efficient, and safe. With the development and implementation of the digital pass system, the Port of Riga is preparing for the use of the electronic consignment note (eCMR), which is set to be implemented across Latvia in the coming years.
In September, the Freeport of Riga Authority and the Lithuanian company SNG Solar signed an agreement on the lease of land in the Port of Riga in the Spilve Meadows area for the development of a solar energy park.
