Riga begins dismantling ED dam to expand cruise ship access

Partial dismantling of the ED dam in the southern section of Riga’s Export Port began this week, expanding the city’s ability to receive cruise ships near the centre, LSM reported, citing the Riga Freeport Authority.

The work is being carried out by construction company Tilts on behalf of the authority and is scheduled for completion by the start of the next cruise season. The improved waterfront and the preserved section of the ED dam are then expected to reopen to residents.

The dam currently restricts larger cruise ships from reaching the Export Port berths. Partially removing the existing hydraulic structure will expand the ships’ approach area, create a new turning basin and allow larger passenger ships to manoeuvre more safely near the port berths.

After the dismantling, the Riga Freeport Authority will also rebuild the remaining section of the dam and deepen the water area.

The project is intended to support the continued growth of cruise tourism in Riga. Nearly 100 cruise ship calls have been scheduled at the port for the 2026 season, while additional visits are already being actively booked for subsequent seasons.

The new infrastructure will allow Riga’s port to receive more cruise ships close to the city centre and increase berth capacity when several passenger ships arrive at the port at the same time.

As part of the partial dismantling and improvement of the remaining section, the Riga Waterfront project will also upgrade access to the waterfront in the northern part of Andrejasta. Together with the restored ED dam, the area will form a promenade accessible to residents.