A contract was formally signed today in Rogač between Krilo Shipping Company (KSC) and the Agency for Coastal Line Maritime Transport, confirming the continuation of the maintenance of the State High-Speed Ferry Line No. 9601 Milna – Rogač – Split from October 1. The line has been successfully maintained by KSC with the ship Naranča since 2018, and from tomorrow, this job will be taken over by the newest catamaran in Croatia – Orangina. The contract was signed by the director of the Agency, Paula Vidović, and representatives of the KSC company, owned by the Naranča family from Krilo Jesenice.
The ceremony was marked by the maiden voyage of the KSC Orangina catamaran, the newest and most modern vessel in the KSC fleet. Orangina, with a capacity of 284 passengers, 33 meters long and 8.5 meters wide, with a maximum speed of 30 knots, was built in Singapore specifically for the Milna – (Stomorska) – Rogač – Split route. The construction took ten months, and the ship meets the highest international standards (HSC Code 2000) and is equipped with modern navigation systems, air-conditioned lounges and spacious outdoor decks.
The catamaran sailed into the port of Rogač today under the command of Jure Naranča, owner of KSC, and engine manager Filip Štević, with a large number of guests gathered and a performance by Boris Oštrić, which further enhanced the event.
“We are proud to present our newest catamaran KSC Orangina today, thereby further strengthening the quality and reliability of maritime transport on the Adriatic. As a family business that has lived with the sea for generations, we believe that investing in modern ships is an investment in the future of our islands and coastal communities, as well as in the stability of business. This catamaran is not only a new vessel in our fleet, but also a symbol of our commitment to safety, ecology, comfort and innovation in maritime transport,” said Jure Naranča, owner of KSC, adding that they decided on the name Orangina as a natural continuation of the ships Naranča and KSC Jaffa, with which they have so far been lucky in business and at sea, and which continues the symbolic link with the owner’s family’s surname.
“I am pleased that the shipping company embarked on the project of building a new ship and successfully completed it, and was selected as the most favorable bidder in the tender for the line to Rogač. I believe that the passengers will be satisfied. I wish the crew and the Orangina peaceful seas,” said Paula Vidović, director of the Coastal Line Maritime Transport Agency.
“Šolta and its inhabitants have always been connected to the sea. The arrival of the Orangina is not just a new ship, but also a symbol of confidence that our islands are developing and that they remain well-connected to the coast. I believe that this vessel will improve the daily life of Šoltans, and also provide our guests with a more beautiful experience of traveling on the Adriatic,” said Nikola Cecić-Karuzić, Mayor of the Municipality of Šolta.
“For us in Milna, this is an important day because the Orangina brings our fellow citizens and guests a faster, more comfortable and safer connection to Split. Every investment in maritime transport is an investment in the future of our islands. I am glad that the need of the local community has been recognized and I believe that this catamaran will further strengthen our economic and tourist connections,” said Frane Lozić, Mayor of the Municipality of Milna.
With this project, Krilo Shipping Company further confirms its commitment to developing a modern fleet and further strengthening the connection of the Croatian islands with the coast, looking optimistically to the future and plans for new ships.
