The Croatian Association of Private Shipowners (HUPB) welcomes the announced and initiated investments in maritime infrastructure on the Adriatic, such as the expansion of the St. Peter pier and the construction of the Resnik terminal in Split, the reconstruction of the Martinšćica port on Cres and the port of Krk, and the construction of a new marina in Ploče. These projects will significantly contribute to the modernization, safety and better connectivity of maritime and nautical traffic, and thus further strengthen the tourism potential of the Croatian coast.
Small Croatian shipowners make up a recognizable and unique segment of the domestic tourist offer, and the Croatian Association of Private Shipowners, with its 260 ships, is the largest and oldest association of tourist shipowners on the Adriatic. According to the latest available data for 2023, HUPB members achieved a total annual turnover of almost 110 million euros, with more than 22 million paid into the state budget through taxes and contributions. All indicators for the first six months of 2025 point to another record season.
Following the above, the HUPB emphasizes: “We do not understand why a key project has been neglected for many years, which is the reconstruction of the port of Krilo Jesenice, one of the most important ports for domestic small shipowners. The implementation of this project would enable safe and organized berths for our ships, and at the same time would relieve the port of Split, by redirecting part of the traffic to the newly renovated pier.”
The building permit was issued in early 2024, and the start of work was scheduled for the end of the same year. However, despite this, the work has not yet begun. The estimated value of the project is around 35 million euros, and the majority of financing is provided from European funds. The planned implementation period is 2025 – 2027, with the duration of the work being two to three years.
Nova luka Krilo Duboka
They also particularly highlight the project “New Port of Krilo Duboka”, for which the Preliminary Maritime Design was developed back in 2017 and financed by the Municipality of Dugi Rat. An Environmental Impact Study and additional technical documentation were also developed. Unfortunately, the project has not yet been implemented. The Port of Krilo Duboka is included in the County Spatial Plan, but it is not yet included in the Municipal Development Plan, which further slows down the process, despite the fact that the documentation has been ready for years.
It is important to emphasize that, according to the latest data, in the area of the Dugi Rat Municipality, which includes Krilo Jesenice and Bajnice, there are as many as 208 registered ships owned by local companies and crafts. These ships and their owners urgently need secured winter and summer berths in order to be able to operate in a quality and sustainable manner.
In addition to the above, HUPB reminds of the importance of starting other infrastructure projects in this area, such as the construction of the port of Bajnica and the development of space in Dugi Rat. These are key investments for the long-term assurance of permanent and high-quality conditions for domestic shippers.
“We believe that the relevant ministries of the sea, transport and infrastructure, and tourism and sports will recognize the importance of these initiatives and take all necessary steps for the benefit of the shipping sector as an important economic factor, as well as nautical tourism, which constitutes a key segment of the Croatian tourist offer,” added the HUPB.
