Rijeka Gateway: A New Era for Croatia's Port and Logistics Sector
In a significant moment for Croatia’s maritime infrastructure, officials gathered at the Port of Rijeka to celebrate the arrival of the first commercial container vessel, marking the official transition from trial operations to full commercial activity at the newly inaugurated Rijeka Gateway Terminal. This state-of-the-art facility stands out as the largest private investment in logistics history for Croatia, solidifying the country’s position as a growing player in global shipping and logistics.
The concession for the Rijeka Gateway Terminal was awarded in November 2021, resulting in a dynamic partnership between Maersk’s APM Terminals and the ENNA Group. Notably, Oleg Butković, Croatia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure, emphasized the magnitude of this agreement, stating it is the most ambitious project in the port’s storied history.
With a remarkable investment of €380 million (5 million) from Maersk, the terminal has swiftly evolved over the past two years. Key developments include the construction of a 400-meter (1,300-foot) quay, partially funded by a loan from the World Bank. The upgrades feature not only access and internal roads but also a sophisticated new intermodal terminal and a rail interface, boasting an impressive initial capacity of 650,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units).
Peter Corfitsen, CEO of Rijeka Gateway, expressed optimism about the project’s benefits, saying, “This terminal is more than just infrastructure. It symbolizes Rijeka as a modern, sustainable, and technologically advanced port that creates value and propels both the local and national economy forward.”
In a move that underscores Rijeka Gateway’s importance in the maritime logistics arena, the terminal is now part of the Gemini Cooperation initiative between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, connecting East Asian ports with Mediterranean and Adriatic locales. This strategic alignment enhances its reliability and boosts trade routes, promising a bright future not just for Rijeka, but for the broader Croatian economy.
The vessel Al Jasrah, a 157,374 dwt giant built in 2016 and registered in Liberia, was the first to dock at the newly opened facility, arriving from Port Said, Egypt, with a capacity of approximately 15,000 TEU. As the port anticipates further expansion, plans are in motion to extend the quay to 680 meters (2,230 feet) and increase capacity to over one million TEU.
Equipped with advanced technology, Rijeka Gateway features four remotely operated ship-to-shore cranes, 15 rubber-tired gantry cranes, two rail-mounted gantry cranes, and a robust fleet of terminal tractors. The fully integrated control center promises seamless operations, enhanced automation, and a commitment to renewable energy, making it the first terminal of its kind in the Adriatic region.
As Rijeka Gateway takes its place as a linchpin in the shipping industry, it certainly ignites excitement about Croatia’s potential in the global logistics market—elevating local economies and promoting sustainable growth in the years ahead.
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