Shadow Day 2026 at the Kurbads logistics base
30. Mar '26
Kurbads continues the tradition - a new car carrier dedicated to Krišjānis Valdemārs
Honoring the legacy of Krišjānis Valdemārs, the vehicle transportation and logistics company Kurbads ceremonially consecrated a new car carrier named after him, thereby symbolically continuing his ideas' path.
Krišjānis Valdemārs was born in 1825. He was one of the most prominent founders of the Young Latvian movement, the father of Latvian seafaring, and the creator of the first Latvian public library. His famous call, “Latvians, go to the sea!”, became a symbol of courage, education, and the nation’s growth.
This call lives on today - in movement and in the ability to think beyond the visible horizon. The consecration ceremony was led by folklorist Inese Krūmiņa together with representatives of the folk group “Vilki”, while the new car carrier embodies progress and the ability to carry Latvia’s name across the world.
Krišjānis Valdemārs’ famous call, “Latvians, go to the sea!”, became a symbol of courage, education, and the nation’s growth.
“Krišjānis Valdemārs was the first to dare to call himself a Latvian - on the door of his student room at the University of Tartu, he wrote the word ‘Latvian’ next to his name. He did not only dream, but also purposefully worked to ensure that the Latvian nation would become self-aware and prosperous - a nation capable of proving itself in the world through work, education, and courage. It is therefore both natural and symbolic that Kurbads has chosen Valdemārs as one of its heroes - the values he expressed continue to inspire development, entrepreneurship, and confidence in one’s own abilities.
‘Latvians, go to the sea! Gather gold for your dowry.’ This is not merely a slogan expressed by Valdemārs - it is a call for development and courage, aimed at leading Latvia toward better times,” said Liene Johansone-Kuzmina, Director of the Riga History and Navigation Museum.
Meanwhile, Jānis Dambītis, a representative of the Valdemārs Foundation, emphasized:
“Krišjānis Valdemārs is a timeless and inexhaustible source of love and inspiration for Latvia. Today, it is especially important to strengthen Valdemārs’ values in Latvia by asking ourselves before every task - will this benefit the Latvian people? In 2025, the 200th anniversary of Krišjānis Valdemārs was honored across Latvia with vibrant and creative events.
A heartfelt thank you to Andis Pikāns and the Kurbads team for the outstanding work of art - the Krišjānis Valdemārs car carrier - which will continue to carry and promote his values in Latvia and across Europe. Wishing you every success - may it roll smoothly!”
Kurbads fleet expands - a new car carrier and values on Europe’s roads
The new car carrier #127 is a modern Volvo FH 62T tractor unit equipped with Kässbohrer carrier equipment. It is powered by a 12.8-liter Turbo Compound diesel engine with 500 HP, ensuring high efficiency and sustainability on long European routes. The vehicle has been entrusted to driver-forwarder Emīls Freimanis from the Bauska region, who has been part of the Kurbads team for more than four years.
The visual identity of the car carrier was created by Latvian artist Alfreds Paulausks, drawing inspiration from historical motifs, including a photograph of Krišjānis Valdemārs taken in Riga in the late 1880s.
The event was attended by company employees and partners, as well as representatives of the Riga History and Navigation Museum and the Valdemārs Foundation. We extend our sincere thanks to our partners - Volvo Trucks Latvia, especially Managing Director Karin Johansson, and Moller Auto Latvia - for their support in organizing the event.
The Kurbads fleet currently consists of more than 55 car carriers, each with a unique design. The cabins feature heroes from Latvia and around the world who embody the company’s values - determination, courage, and the ability to follow one’s own path. These figures have become recognizable across Europe, representing the story of Kurbads and Latvian values in international markets.
