Port authorities along the Adriatic have a key role in the daily functioning of our ports. From maintaining order and security, through coordination with shippers, to facing the challenges brought by growing traffic and the tourist season. We spoke with Žarko Klisura from the Port Authority of Korcula about what their daily tasks look like, what problems they most often encounter, and what would ease the challenges of the tourist season. He introduced us first hand to this dynamic and responsible business on one of the most important Adriatic islands.
Order, safety and priority for scheduled traffic
The main task of the Korčula Port Authority is to ensure order in the ports under their jurisdiction. Special emphasis is placed on securing berths for liners, which have priority. During the summer months, traffic is significantly increased, especially on Wednesdays and Sundays, when it can happen that up to 36 ships are in the port on multi-day cruises. On other days, the number of ships varies, while on weekends it is significantly lower. – It would be easier for all of us if the number of ships were more evenly distributed throughout the week, Klisura points out.
In addition to tourist ships, the port also hosts yachts, sailboats and cruise ships. – Cruise ships announce their arrivals several years in advance, so we already have announcements for 2028, says Klisura. He adds that managing such diverse traffic requires a high level of coordination. The Korčula Port Authority employs 16 people, five of whom work in offices, five on the waterfront in the city, two on the waterfront in Uvala Luka, while four people are responsible for stacking cars when boarding the ferry.
Seasonal challenges: noise and waterfront overload
During the season, the biggest challenges are noise from ships and uneven loading of the waterfront. Thanks to good cooperation with the Croatian Association of Private Shipowners (HUPB), the noise has been reduced to a minimum. However, the problem of too many ships on certain days is still present. – Sometimes we are forced to reject applications for the arrival of some ships. There are simply too many of them, and the agencies do not make it easier for us, adds Klisura.
Order and safety in the port are ensured through regular coordination meetings with the Shipowners’ Association. Representatives of the City of Korčula, the Port Authority and the Police are also present. Although the Port Authority is the first authority in the event of accidents at sea, Port Authority employees also provide assistance with their official vessel.
Good cooperation with small shipowners
Cooperation with small shipowners and their associations was assessed as very good and fair. The port’s capacity is limited. The Western Riva can accommodate 20 ships, the Eastern Riva six, while the Dominče ferry pier has space for 10 ships. Ships that dock exclusively to disembark passengers are always accommodated.
– We allow cruise ships to stay on the waterfront until 3 p.m. so that small shipowners can do their job without any hindrance, notes Klisura.
One of the pressing problems is fuel supply, and it is not possible to refuel on the waterfront itself. INA’s marine gas station does not have blue diesel, which is essential for shipowners. – It would be useful if the Shipowners’ Association approached INA with a proposal to install a tank with blue diesel. This would significantly facilitate shipowners’ operations and reduce pressure on other ports, Klisura believes.
Infrastructure and legislative challenges
When asked how many people with port experience are involved in the adoption of regulations at the national level, Klisura answers briefly: – Not enough! It happens too often that regulations do not follow the real needs on the ground.
The infrastructure in Korčula is currently satisfactory, but further growth in traffic is expected. The construction of a new port is underway, which should significantly relieve the existing capacity. However, the project is not without difficulties, the contractor recently went bankrupt, which is further slowing down the work.
The key to sustainability: cooperation and realistic regulations
The Port Authority of Korčula balances safety requirements, operational challenges and the needs of shippers and tourists on a daily basis. Cooperation of all stakeholders, continuous investments in infrastructure and greater involvement of the profession in the adoption of regulations are key to the sustainable development of maritime transport and the preservation of the quality of service in one of the most visited ports on the Adriatic.
Photo: Korčula County Port Authority
