On Friday, January 16, Liepāja hosted events dedicated to the blessing of the flag for the State Border Guard patrol vessel “BĀRTA,” acquired within the framework of a specialized project, and the conclusion of the EU co-funded initiative. The events were attended by the Minister of the Interior, Rihards Kozlovskis, the State Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior, Dimitrijs Trofimovs, and the Chief of the State Border Guard, General Guntis Pujāts.
The solemn flag-blessing ceremony and a tour of the “BĀRTA” took place at the Port of Liepāja, while the closing event for the project “Acquisition of a Patrol Vessel for the Needs of the State Border Guard” was held at the “Great Amber” (Lielais Dzintars) concert hall. The latter included discussions on project implementation, achieved results, and its significance in strengthening the capacity of the State Border Guard. Additionally, the public had the opportunity to view specialized State Border Guard vehicles and equipment.
“The new patrol vessel ‘BĀRTA’ significantly enhances the practical capabilities of the State Border Guard in maritime border surveillance and operational activities. It ensures the ability to respond to security challenges in a timely and professional manner, while simultaneously fulfilling Latvia’s obligations in protecting the external borders of the European Union,” stated General Guntis Pujāts, Chief of the State Border Guard.
On June 7, 2024, the Ministry of the Interior and the State Border Guard signed an agreement on the implementation of the project “Acquisition of a Patrol Vessel for the Needs of the State Border Guard.” Following a procurement procedure organized by the State Border Guard, a contract for the delivery of the patrol vessel was signed with the Estonian shipbuilding company “Baltic Workboats” on October 3, 2024. In December 2024, the vessel was transported to the “Baltic Workboats” shipyard in Nasva for customization. Last December, the vessel was delivered to the Port of Liepāja, where State Border Guard officers underwent training regarding its construction, equipment, inventory use, and daily maintenance. Following a compliance inspection, the official acceptance-delivery certificate was signed on December 19, 2025.
The acquisition of this patrol vessel strengthens the maritime border surveillance capacity of the State Border Guard—increasing detection, control, and response capabilities at the EU's external border. It also improves skills for the rapid and immediate prevention of existing and potential security threats and provocations.
The vessel will provide invaluable support in performing the tasks of the State Border Guard both in the Baltic Sea region and by assisting the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and other EU Member States in the Mediterranean region during Frontex-coordinated activities. Furthermore, it strengthens Latvia’s capabilities as an EU Member State to fulfill its duties regarding external border control and addressing challenges at the EU's external borders.
The total cost of Project No. VRS/RPVP/2024/4 “Acquisition of a Patrol Vessel for the Needs of the State Border Guard” is EUR 6,360,370. This includes EUR 4,770,277 from the European Union’s Border Management and Visa Policy Instrument (BMVI) for the 2021–2027 period, and EUR 1,590,093 in national budget co-funding.
The project was implemented within the framework of the Border Management and Visa Policy Instrument 2021–2027, for which the Ministry of the Interior is the managing authority in Latvia.
