Engure Port

    The old port was a natural harbour in the mouth of the river. It formed by the river flowing out of Lake Engure and running into the sea. The original name of this river was the Melnupe; later it was changed into the Vecupe. The canal of Mersrags was dug out in 1842, in order to drain landlords' meadows and fields. Due to it, water level of the Melnupe decreased by about four metres, thus causing activities of the old port to cease.
    In 1956, the construction of an artifical port began, but was not completed. However, this unfinished port could be used by big fishing ships that worked in the Atlantic Ocean. Every year the port gets choked with about 1 metre of sand. It is thus necessary to dredge it annually.    
    In this connection, maintainance problems of the port arise, which prevent active development of economic activities, and prevent bigger ships come into the port. At present the port is used by boats fishing in the Gulf of Riga and in the Baltic Sea. There are 2 fishing boats of SIA "Unda", 5 fishing boats of SIA "Licis", 2 fishing boats of SIA "Engure", and the carrier ship, "Irlava". These ships are fishing for the needs of fish processing shops. Due to the fact, that the council of the community takes part in the project "Supportnet" involving the states of the Baltic Sea, the port is undergoing changes: deep dredging of the port has been accomplished by the company, SIA "Akvateks".
     At present, the port can be used by ships with a draught of 3.5 metres; the pier for small-size yachts has been fixed up and cooperation with the yacht-club "Hercogs Jekabs" has started.  Near the port, the company "PHL", managed by Harijs Priede, designs and builds yachts for export. Foreigners have expressed great interest in yachts constructed by this company. Two trimarans of Catri 22 type have been constructed and sold abroad in the course of 2 years.  Three trimarans of Catri 22 and Catri 30 type are being constructed at present.Yacht building and tourism by yachts could be future businesses in the port of Engure.