Author: Freeport of Ventspils Authority

To make shipping more environmentally friendly, the European Union is developing projects that promote the use of alternative fuels. One such initiative is the H2Derivatives@BSP project, a collaboration between seven European countries, which is set to play a significant role in this transition. Its goal is to develop hydrogen-based alternative fuel infrastructure in Baltic Sea ports. The Freeport of Ventspils Authority is one of the leading partners in the project and will be responsible for developing the technical and business model for the production and use of renewable energy and alternative fuels in ports.

​Author: Ventspils Municipality's Economics and Procurement Department

The British newspaper Financial Times publication FDI Intelligence has released the latest European Cities and Regions of the Future 2025 report, in which Ventspils has once again secured second place in the foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction strategy ranking for European cities with a population of up to 100,000. This recognition confirms that the city is successfully implementing a targeted development strategy and continues to strengthen its position as a significant investment hub in the region.

Author: University of Ventspils
 
The Ventspils City Municipality and the University of Ventspils (VeA) will sign a long-term cooperation agreement on January 24, which will promote the development of higher education, science, and research in Ventspils and the region.
​The purpose of the cooperation agreement is to strengthen VeA as an internationally recognized center for higher education and science in the Baltic Sea region, promoting the quality of study programs, the development of innovation, and the recruitment of academic staff. Within the framework of the agreement, VeA will continue to develop research infrastructure and the qualification of academic staff, including strengthening collaboration with entrepreneurs and international partners. The agreement also provides for municipal support for scholarship programs, such as in the ICT field and the provision of student internships at municipal institutions.

Author: Ventspils Municipality's Marketing and Tourism Department

From February 7 to 9, the 28th International Tourism Exhibition and Fair "Balttour 2025" will be held at the Ķīpsala Exhibition Centre, where representatives from Ventspils and the Ventspils region, participating in the joint stand of the Kurzeme Tourism Association, will present the latest tourism offers, events, and activities. Visitors to the stand will be able to discover the city's diverse opportunities, learn about new developments, and take part in exciting activities.

Author: Ventspils Municipality Environmental Monitoring Department
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The Ventspils City Municipality has submitted an application to the "Environmental Education Fund" for the Blue Flag award for Ventspils city beach for the 2025 bathing season.
The "Environmental Education Fund," which is the national coordinator of the Blue Flag movement in Latvia, and its organized jury will review the applications by February 3. The International Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), when awarding the Blue Flag, evaluates the municipality's work based on 33 criteria divided into several categories – environmental education and information, water quality, management, safety, and best practices, with a specific number of points assigned for each. The international jury will make its decision on awarding the Blue Flag by May 5.

Click Author: Ventspils Municipality

​Specialists from the municipal company "Ventspils siltums" met in person with representatives of "WILL SENSORS" to discuss possible solutions for the digitalization of the district heating system.
The manufacturing and other industries are characterized by increasingly specific requirements for the application of information and communication technologies. Currently, the latest technological solutions offer various solutions in the fields of digitalization and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), which can improve the heat energy production process, ensuring the security, continuity, and monitoring of the heating supply.

Author: Freeport of Ventspils Authority

​The metalworking company SIA "Malmar Sheet Metal," operating in the Ventspils Freeport industrial zone, joined the group of companies that receive a significant portion of the electricity needed for production from renewable resources by completing the construction of a solar panel park.
As a result of the project “Construction of a Solar Power Plant at Ganību Street 107, Ventspils,” carried out by SIA “Malmar Sheet Metal,” a solar power plant has been installed, consisting of 864 panels, already providing an electrical capacity of 499 kilowatts.

Author: Freeport of Ventspils Authority
 
To strengthen cooperation in the high-tech sector and develop the industrial area of Ventspils Freeport, the Ventspils Freeport Authority officially joined the national microchip initiative. The initiative brings together several Latvian and international organizations involved in education, technology, and business environment development.
​The partners joining the microchip initiative have signed a memorandum of understanding, aiming to agree on a common vision and work plan that will define Latvia's role and the development of the ecosystem within the microchip supply chain. The microchip ecosystem is particularly important for Latvia, as the country is developing an industry focused on the creation and implementation of next-generation communication technologies, in which microchips play a vital role. The production of electronic and optical equipment has been the fastest-growing manufacturing sector in Latvia since 2010. Production volumes have nearly doubled since 2016, with the number of jobs increasing by an average of 50%.

Author: Ventspils Municipality Marketing and Tourism Department
 
The metalworking and assembly company "Malmar Sheet Metal" based in Ventspils has received the prestigious "Grand Partner" award, presented by the Japanese construction machinery giant Komatsu at its annual Global Supplier Day. This exclusive event is dedicated to recognizing the world's best suppliers, and Ltd. "Malmar Sheet Metal" is the only European company to receive this high and prestigious award in 2024. The award highlights the company's exceptional achievements and strategic importance in Komatsu's supply chain. The award was given for the company's significant contributions to Komatsu's operations, particularly in several key areas where "Malmar Sheet Metal" has demonstrated excellence.

Author: Ventspils Municipality's Economics and Procurement Department

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In October 2024, the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' economic diplomats visited Ventspils for a networking event held at the Science Centre VIZIUM. The event brought together more than 30 Latvian diplomats from various countries worldwide, along with local entrepreneurs who had the opportunity to learn about the diplomats’ work and establish valuable business connections.