Latvia’s Maritime Spatial Plan (MSP) is a national-level long-term spatial development planning document that defines the permitted use of Latvia’s maritime space and the conditions for its use, taking into account environmental protection, sustainable development and the interests of different sectors and coastal municipalities.
The MSP covers Latvia’s internal sea waters, territorial sea and exclusive economic zone. The planning process also takes into account the land area functionally linked to the sea, ensuring an integrated land-sea approach. The MSP covers approximately 28,500 km² of maritime space under Latvia’s jurisdiction, representing almost 7.6% of the Baltic Sea area.
The development of Latvia’s first MSP was launched in 2014. Following stakeholder involvement, national public consultations and cross-border consultations under the Espoo Convention, the MSP was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on 14 May 2019. The MSP 2030 provides a framework for the sustainable use of maritime space, including shipping, energy, fisheries, nature conservation, tourism and recreation, and other maritime activities.
Current Maritime Spatial Plan 2030
The Maritime Spatial Plan 2030 was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on 14 May 2019. A summary overview of the MSP is available here.
The full MSP, its annexes and an unofficial English translation of the Summary of the Environmental Report are available below:
Interim Assessment and Amendments to the MSP
On 1 October 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the Interim Assessment of the implementation of Latvia’s Maritime Spatial Plan. The assessment analysed changes in the use of maritime space, developments in different sectors and the implementation of the MSP. The assessment also identified areas where the MSP should be updated.
On 13 January 2026, VARAM launched the preparation of amendments to the Maritime Spatial Plan 2030 by Ministerial Order No. P-1-2/11.
The amendments aim to ensure that the MSP reflects the latest scientific knowledge, environmental and biodiversity data, policy priorities, technological developments and changing needs of maritime sectors. The process also seeks to ensure a balanced coexistence of economic activities and environmental protection in Latvia’s maritime space.
The preparation of the amendments is carried out in cooperation with relevant ministries and their subordinate institutions, coastal municipalities, experts and other stakeholders. The process includes discussions on sectoral criteria, maritime spatial use solutions, the Strategic Environmental Assessment and the updating of the MSP implementation measures.
At the same time, a conceptual report is being prepared on the legal framework for the use of multifunctional maritime space and its improvement. This stems from the conclusions of the Maritime Spatial Plan interim evaluation and is based on a study on the legal framework for the multifunctional use of maritime space and its improvement, conducted in 2025.
International cooperation and projects
Latvia has participated in a number of international and transnational projects supporting the development and implementation of maritime spatial planning. Earlier projects, including Baltic SCOPE and Baltic LINes, supported stakeholder engagement and cooperation on maritime spatial planning in the Baltic Sea region.
The MSP-GREEN, SELINA and Baltic Sea2Land projects contributed to the Interim Assessment and have provided knowledge, data, tools and methodological approaches relevant to maritime and coastal spatial planning.
The Baltic PlaNet project began in July 2025 and will conclude in December 2027 focuses on strengthening climate-resilient coastal planning and cooperation in the Baltic Sea region.
The SEABAS project began in July 2025 and will conclude in October 2027, , aims to strengthen the integration of Strategic Environmental Assessment into maritime spatial planning and develop approaches for assessing cumulative impacts in a transboundary context. The project directly supports the Strategic Environmental Assessment process for the amendments to Latvia’s MSP 2030.
The SELINA project began in July 2022 and will conclude in June 2027, supports the integration of ecosystem services and evidence-based approaches into spatial planning and decision-making.
The Baltic Sea2Land project, implemented from January 2023 to December 2025, supported integrated coastal planning and contributed to the preparation of the Interim Assessment of Latvia’s MSP. Its results include the Sea2Land Navigator platform and other tools and knowledge relevant to maritime and coastal planning.
The results of these projects will be utilized for the amendments of the Maritime Spatial Plan, supporting evidence-based planning and contributing to a sustainable balance between environmental, social and economic interests in Latvia’s maritime space.
Contact information
For more information, please contact:
Spatial Planning and Land Management Department, Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia