Izvor: Sofija Preljvukić/DNEVNIK.hr
In the Split port, the one in the first part towards the city, there will be no connections for tourist sailboats and similar ships from tomorrow. All ships must leave because the reconstruction of the St. Peter’s Pier begins, which will take more than two years. Due to the works, there will only be room for regular maritime traffic, ferries and catamarans. Private shipowners are protesting, but they are aware that they have to accept a new location.
In summer, there is not even a bit of space in one corner of Split harbor. Loaded with sailing ships and other ships that on seven-day cruises take their guests on board in Split and disembark them there at the end of the journey. Numerous party boats depart from there.
“It’s not just unloading and loading, Split is a destination. Starting with Diocletian’s Palace and everything Split has to offer,” claims Arsen Ercegović, vice president of the Croatian Shipowners’ Association.
But they have to leave. Because in that attractive part of the port with its palm tree avenue, major two-year works begin tomorrow.
Today is the last day that ships will be in that part of the Split port. In the future, there will only be a line of catamarans, all the others are leaving due to the reconstruction of St. Peter’s Pier. The worst will be for tourist ships, which will no longer be allowed to dock there, and this is their starting port.
“It’s hard because we still don’t know how we’re going to make up for it next season,” complains Ercegović.
The main works will be on the plateau of Gat St. Peter.
“We are extending the pier by 53 meters, and on the north side we are getting two ro-ro ramps. We are building a new terminal, which will have new facilities. New public toilets, ticket office, waiting room, rooms for leaving bags, a cafe,” explains Zvonimir Perkušić from the Split Port Authority.
The Port Authority offers private boaters various places around Split, and in Split itself, the attractive yachting West Coast. However, it is expensive.
“And certainly, 200 or 300 percent, and more, three or four times than this,” warns Ercegović.
The second solution is the Northern Cargo Port.
“And when we are in the North Port, regardless of the fact that it is not representative, we know what cargo ports look like, every guest can take a taxi, they can get here to the Riva in 5 minutes. They can come by public transport. And we believe that this is the bare minimum. And if we can’t get that, then to hell,” Ercegović is angry.
Shipowners are expecting a meeting to reach an agreement. And they themselves support the reconstruction. 21 million euros are being invested in the works, mostly from EU funds. The port should thus gain more space for ships and vehicles and more comfort for passengers.
