A press conference of the Croatian Association of Private Shipowners was held at the Krilo Hotel in Krilo, Jesenice, where representatives of the Association presented a number of problems that seriously threaten the future of their business. The Vice President of the Association, Arsen Ercegović, and the member of the Board of Directors, Ante Rakuljić, clearly warned of the infrastructural and regulatory obstacles that are causing the sector to enter the new season with a great deal of uncertainty.
Shipowners’ warning: “We have no guarantee of berths in the Port of Split”
Ercegović pointed out that private shipowners are prevented from planning the season normally because even after a year and a half, they do not have any guarantee of berths in the Port of Split for the next two years.
“We want to point out the problems in business, and this is very troubling and distressing to us. Our business is being jeopardized, primarily due to the inability to dock in the Port of Split in the next two years,” said Ercegović.
He emphasized that agencies cannot wait until the “last minute” to know where guests will board and disembark, and the alternatives offered to them are not specified. Shipowners should provide around 60 berths in the alternate ports, but this solution is not operational yet.
“We have reached the stage where we are ready to accept everything, even a berth in the North Port of Split, and now, it seems, we are left without it. I am not very optimistic,” he said.
Luka Krilo – a solution that stands the test of time
Particular emphasis was placed on the long-standing delay in the reconstruction and upgrade of the Krilo Jesenice Port, which, Ercegović points out, would permanently relieve the burden on the Port of Split.
“The Port of Krilo is under the jurisdiction of the County Port Authority, but nothing has moved yet regarding investments and upgrades. Even if reconstruction were to begin tomorrow, it cannot be resolved in a few years,” he said.
Therefore, the Association warns that shippers are once again entering the season without adequate infrastructure, despite the fact that the previous year was very good, with business growth of 20 to 25 percent compared to 2023 and 2024. They hope that the upcoming season will be at least at the level of last year.
Regulatory changes additional burden
In addition to infrastructure problems, shipowners are also worried about regulatory changes — from the navigation safety study for the Port of Split to the announced new EU rules to which they will have to adapt their ships.
Ante Rakuljić also referred to the new regulation on the prohibition of anchoring 50 meters from the coast, which has not yet been adopted, but could change the working conditions.
“After the consultation, a solution is expected that would allow for anchoring of 70 meters. This would satisfy us and allow for the continuation of normal business. We have always promoted our ships in this way because in the bays, guests would swim directly from the ships,” said Rakuljić.
Domestic construction and domestic workers are the foundation of the industry
Rakuljić pointed out that the ships of the Association’s members are entirely built in Croatia, and all companies are registered in the country and employ a large number of Croatian seafarers. The ships, he added, are well staffed and have excellent references in foreign markets.
The conference concluded that Croatian private shipping companies are entering a new season with numerous unknowns, while key solutions — the reconstruction of the Krilo Port, available berths, and clear anchoring and navigation rules — still remain unresolved.
Source: Dalmacija danas
