ONE Launches Service Connecting Port of Riga to Portugal

Key Takeaways

• ONE's Iberia Baltic Express adds weekly Riga‑Portugal container link.
• Transit time from Lisbon to Riga about one week.
• Service includes stops in Southampton, Rotterdam, Gdańsk, and Bremerhaven.
• Riga handled 495,700 TEUs in 2025, 98% of Latvia’s container traffic.
• New route expands ONE’s Baltic footprint beyond existing Baltic Bridge Express.

Pulse Analysis

The Iberia Baltic Express marks a pivotal shift for the Baltic logistics landscape, where direct routes to Southern Europe have been scarce. By linking Riga with Portugal’s major ports, ONE not only shortens transit times but also diversifies cargo flows that traditionally relied on transshipment through Rotterdam or Hamburg. This direct connection reduces handling costs and inventory lead times for Latvian manufacturers, especially those in the automotive and timber sectors that benefit from quicker access to Mediterranean markets.

ONE’s strategic expansion reflects broader trends in container shipping, where carriers are seeking niche regional services to capture higher-margin trade lanes. The inclusion of Southampton, Gdańsk, and Bremerhaven in the rotation creates a multi‑hub network that can flexibly reroute cargo during peak seasons or disruptions. For shippers, the weekly cadence provides predictable scheduling, while the one‑week transit from Lisbon to Riga aligns with just‑in‑time supply chain models increasingly adopted by European retailers.

Riga’s surge to 495,700 TEU in 2025, representing 98% of Latvia’s container throughput, signals the port’s growing relevance as a gateway to the Baltics. The new service amplifies this momentum, positioning Riga as a viable alternative to larger hubs for both inbound and outbound trade. As Europe’s supply chains recalibrate post‑pandemic, the Iberia Baltic Express offers a tangible example of how targeted route additions can unlock new market opportunities and reinforce regional economic resilience.