April the 11th, 2023 - Jadrolinija is set to purchase both new and used vessels for use in its fleet, an investment on which it is going to spend as much as 99 million euros.

As Poslovni Dnevnik/Marija Brnic writes, back at the beginning of this year, after several years of criticism from the wider public and indeed from some experts, the Croatian shipping/ferry company Jadrolinija finally resorted to purchasing completely new passenger ships for the renewal of its temporary fleet.

They will be built for the company a few years after it chooses a contractor, until the end of the year 2026, but a decision is still awaited on who that company will be from the seven interested parties who submitted their respective bids for the job at hand with an estimated value of 45 million euros.

In the meantime, rejuvenation continues for Jadrolinija with the quick solutions that have been mostly resorted to so far, by acquiring used ships. A tender has just been announced for the purchase of two such catamarans, for which Jadrolinija is ready to pay up to 14 million euros without the inclusion of VAT.

However, while until now vessels up to 18 years old were acceptable to Jadrolinija, the condition for these ships is that they must be no more than 5 years old. Catamarans should be up to 40 metres long and up to 12 metres wide, each with a capacity of at least 300 passengers, and intended, as stated in the tender, for international lines operating in the waters of the Adriatic Sea. Offers for these high-speed passenger ships will be being accepted until May the 3rd, 2023.

It's also worth noting that Jadrolinija has planned to invest a total of 99 million euros in their business plans for this year. The two catamarans that are now being sought from the used boat market should replace the existing old-timers from the shipowner's fleet, which currently numbers 53 boats with an average age of 28.7 years.

There are four ships currently on the list of ships that Jadrolinija intends to decommission during 2023. Among them is the ship Tijat, which is arguably the oldest in the entire fleet, 68 years old and slightly younger than the company itself, which celebrated its 75th anniversary last year. The plan is also to dispose of the ships Olea, Valuna and Dubrovnik (all of which are now over 40 years old).

Before it is sent to scrap, ''Dubrovnik'' is trying to sell itself off. Although the news was not encouraging at first, Jadrolinija says that one offer was received and accepted, and work is being done to conclude a sales contract. The initial price, by the way, stood at 2.9 million euros. In addition to the construction of three electrically powered passenger ships, the plan for Jadrolinija is also to announce a tender for the design and construction of another newbuild in 2023, namely a ro-ro passenger ship, the capacity of which would be 80 vehicles and 500 passengers.

The tender for that should follow in June, and the intention is to acquire two more used ro-ro passenger ships, one for the reception of 110 to 120 vehicles and between 600 and 700 passengers, and the other for 90 and 100 vehicles and 800 to 900 passengers. According to that plan as it currently stands, the latter would replace the Lastovo vessel, which is over half a century old at this point.

The start of the activities on the procurement of another ro-ro passenger ship, one for international navigation, with a capacity of 500 vehicles and 1,200 passengers, is scheduled for April. This ship should join Jadrolinija's existing fleet at the end of the year. Just how important the rejuvenation and modernisation of Jadrolinija's fleet really is, is best shown by the fact that three ships are over 60 years old. Along with Tijat, these are Postira and Premuda. Fast passenger ships over 30 years old (Olea, Silba, Novalja and Karolina) and ships that will soon no longer meet ecological standards (Dora, Sis, Sv. Juraj, Mate Balota and Lastovo) are all also now scheduled for replacement.

For more, check out our business section.

June 21, 2022 - In the newest TCN series, we take a look at the destinations you can visit by ferry from the main Croatian ports. In this second installment of the Croatia Ferry Guide 2022, where to go from the port of Dubrovnik?

When advertising the Adriatic Sea and the Croatian islands abroad, the experience of being on board a sailboat, yacht, or catamaran is usually highlighted. However, there is no destination a Croatian ferry can't reach, and why not mention that it's totally worth saving a good amount of Euros on sailboat rentals and crews?

Today we tell you more about the island destinations you can reach from the ferry port of Dubrovnik.

Photo: Mario Romulić

First of all, how to buy your ferry tickets? There are three ways. The first is via the official Jadrolinija website. In it, you can not only see the updated sailing schedules, but you can also buy your tickets online. Simply choose the port of departure, the port of destination, and the date of your trip, and you will find the available times. Once you have chosen the time and the number of tickets, in addition to completing all your personal information, you can proceed to pay for your tickets online with a credit or debit card.

The second way is through the official Jadrolinija mobile app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Playstore for Android. The application is very easy to use and, just like on the website, just select the port of departure and you will be able to see the ports that you can travel to from the one you selected. The process is very similar, and you will find that it is even more comfortable and intuitive to use. Payment also allows the use of credit and debit cards.

Finally, the third type of payment is the most traditional and has its benefits. All ferry ports in Croatia have a Jadrolinija office, where you can go to buy your tickets in person. Sometimes one can be a bit confused before buying their tickets both on the website and in the app, so having a Jadrolinija agent to guide you is a great help.

Where is the Dubrovnik ferry port located? Unlike previously covered cities like Split or Rijeka, the port of Dubrovnik is not located in the old part of the city. The port of Dubrovnik is located in Gruž Bay, a 10-minute drive from the Old Town.

Bari

Apart from Ancona, Bari is the other destination in Italy that one can reach from Croatia by sea. However, Bari can only be reached from Dubrovnik. The ferries that depart from the Pearl of the Adriatic to Bari depart on Sundays, Mondays, and Fridays through line 54 (Dubrovnik-Bari). Just one per day. On Sundays, they leave Dubrovnik at 12:00 pm and arrive in Bari at 19:30 pm, while on Mondays and Fridays they leave Dubrovnik at 21:00 pm and arrive in Bari at 8:00 am. Passengers can travel from Dubrovnik to Bari in three ways: deck passenger, seat, or cabin. For the adult ticket (from twelve years old or older), the deck passenger ticket price is 528 kunas, the seat ticket is 588 kunas, and there are two types of cabins: outdoor shower and WC (1193 kunas) and indoor shower. and WC (1097 kunas). For the child ticket (from 3 to 12 years old), the deck passenger ticket price is 303 kunas, the seat ticket is 363 kunas, and there are two types of cabins: outdoor shower and WC (228 kunas) and indoor shower. and WC (208 kunas).

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Bol

Bol is one of the most sought-after island destinations in Croatia, and it is possible to get there from Dubrovnik. Every day, a catamaran leaves the port of Dubrovnik for Bol on the island of Brač. Through line 9811S (Dubrovnik - Korčula - Hvar - Bol - Split), the catamaran leaves Dubrovnik at 7:00 am and arrives in Bol at 11:40 am. The price of tickets, both for adults and children, is 280 kuna.

Photo: Mario Romulić

Hvar

One would think that to visit the wonderful island of Hvar, it is necessary to be in Split. However, if you are in Dubrovnik, you can do it too. Via line 9811S (Dubrovnik - Korčula - Hvar - Bol - Split), a catamaran departs from Dubrovnik at 7:00 am and arrives in Hvar Town at 10:30 am. Ticket prices for both adults and children are 280 kuna.

Photo: Mario Romulić

Koločep

The island of Koločep is one of the three inhabited Elaphiti Islands situated near the city of Dubrovnik. It is the southernmost inhabited island in Croatia. Two ferry lines go to Koločep: 831 (Dubrovnik - Suđurađ - Lopud) and 807 (Šipan - Lopud - Koločep - Dubrovnik). From Monday to Sunday, ships of line 807 depart for Koločep 5-6 times a day. The trip takes 30 minutes. Ferry line 831 departs from Dubrovnik on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and only one trip per day. It leaves at 9:00 am and arrives in Koločep at 9:45 am. The price of the ferry ticket for adults is 31 kunas for both lines. Ticket prices for children vary. On line 831 it costs 15.5 kunas, and on line 807 it costs 12 kunas.

Photo: dronepicr/Wikimedia Commons

Korčula

Among the islands of Dubrovnik, the island of Korčula is surely the most popular. A catamaran of the line 9811S (Dubrovnik - Korčula - Hvar - Bol - Split) departs from the port of Dubrovnik every day, with only one trip per day. The catamaran departs at 07:00, arriving in Korčula at 09:00. Ideal for a day trip. The price of the catamaran ticket, both for adults and children, is 160 kuna.

Photo: Mario Romulić

Lopud

Lopud, like Koločep, belongs to the Elaphite Islands archipelago. Lopud is the central island of the archipelago, well known for its sandy beaches, and is also the most developed of the three Elaphiti islands in terms of tourism. Like Koločep, two ferry lines go to the island of Lopud: 831 (Dubrovnik - Suđurađ - Lopud) and 807 (Šipan - Lopud - Koločep - Dubrovnik). From Monday to Sunday, ships of line 807 depart for Lopud 4-6 times a day. The trip usually takes 55 minutes. Ferry line 831 departs from Dubrovnik on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and only one trip per day. It leaves at 9:00 am and arrives in Lopud at 10:25 am. The price of the ferry ticket for adults is 31 kunas for both lines. Ticket prices for children vary. On line 831 it costs 15.5 kunas, and on line 807 it costs 13 kunas.

Photo: dronepicr/Wikimedia Commons

Suđurađ (Island of Šipan)

Šipan is the largest island of the Elaphiti Islands archipelago. Those going from Dubrovnik will arrive in the town of Suđurađ. In the case of Suđurađ, and compared to Lopud and Koločep, ferry line 831 is more frequent. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, two ferries of line 831 depart from Dubrovnik to Suđurađ (9:00 am and 15:30 pm), while on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, they make a single trip. Travel time can vary from 65 to 110 minutes. Ships of line 807 make up to 4 trips every day from the port of Dubrovnik to Suđurađ. Trips take 75 minutes. The price of the ferry ticket for adults is 31 kunas for both lines. Ticket prices for children vary. On line 831 it costs 15.5 kunas, and on line 807 it costs 14 kunas.

Photo: Dmitry Mozzhukhin/Wikimedia Commons

The ferry lines mentioned above are those with confirmed schedules for the next three months. Prices are subject to change. Visit the official Jadrolinija website for more information on other ferry lines from Dubrovnik.

For more on travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

June 8, 2022 - In the newest TCN series, we take a look at the destinations you can visit by ferry from the main Croatian ports. In this first installment of the Croatia Ferry Guide 2022, where to go from the port of Split?

When advertising the Adriatic Sea and the Croatian islands abroad, the experience of being on board a sailboat, yacht or catamaran is usually highlighted. However, there is no destination a Croatian ferry can't reach, and why not mention that it's totally worth saving a good amount of Euros on sailboat rentals and crews?

Today we tell you more about the destinations you can reach from the ferry port of Split.

The Split Ferry Port is only a five-minute walk from the Riva. (Photo: Mario Romulić)

First of all, how to buy your ferry tickets? There are three ways. The first is via the official Jadrolinija website. In it, you can not only see the updated sailing schedules, but you can also buy your tickets online. Simply choose the port of departure, the port of destination and the date of your trip, and you will find the available times. Once you have chosen the time and the number of tickets, in addition to completing all your personal information, you can proceed to pay for your tickets online with a credit or debit card.

The second way is through the official Jadrolinija mobile app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Playstore for Android. The application is very easy to use and, just like on the website, just select the port of departure and you will be able to see the ports that you can travel to from the one you selected. The process is very similar, and you will find that it is even more comfortable and intuitive to use. Payment also allows the use of credit and debit cards.

Finally, the third type of payment is the most traditional and has its benefits. All ferry ports in Croatia have a Jadrolinija office, where you can go to buy your tickets in person. Sometimes one can be a bit confused before buying their tickets both on the website and in the app, so having a Jadrolinija agent to guide you is a great help.

Where is the Split Ferry Port located? It is probably one of the best strategically positioned, as it is only a five-minute walk from the Riva. In addition, it is in the same area as the main bus and train stations, in case you need to board your ferry just when you arrive. Split's ferry port is one of the largest, and you'll want to make sure you check your ticket routing to find the right area to board your ferry or catamaran. Don't forget that in the port there is a screen that indicates where to find your ferry, as well as an office to answer any questions.

Ancona

Photo: Dick Stracke/Wikimedia Commons

Along with Bari, Ancona is one of the Italian destinations that one can travel to by ferry from Croatia. Passengers can choose to travel on deck (a single ticket is 363 kunas in June and July, and 483 kunas in August), reserve a seat (a single ticket is 412 kunas in June and July, and 543 kunas in August), or travel in cabins. The prices for a room with two cabins vary between 605 kunas and 1148 kunas depending on the month and the facilities available in the room. The prices for a room with four cabins vary between 605 kunas and 1148  kunas depending on the month and the facilities available in the room. Ferries from Split to Ancona will usually run once a day, with three possible schedules: departing at 10:00 am and arriving at 19:00 pm, departing at 20:00 and arriving at 7:00 am, and departing at 21:00 pm and arriving at 7:00 am.

Bol, Brač

Photo: Mario Romulić

At the time this article was written, Jadrolinija offers a catamaran that leaves Split every day at 4:30 p.m. and arrives in Bol at 5:40 p.m. (1 hour and 10 minutes of travel), with a price of 63 kunas per individual adult ticket (the individual ticket for children from 3 to 12 years old is 30 kunas and those under 3 years old travel free). Starting June 16, Jadrolinija will introduce another catamaran that leaves Split at 3:30 p.m. and arrives in Bol at 4:30 p.m. (1-hour trip), priced at 130 kunas per adult single ticket (ticket individual for children from 3 to 12 years old is 130 kuna and those under 3 years old travel free).

Dubrovnik

Photo: Mario Romulić

One can travel by catamaran from Split to the Pearl of the Adriatic from June 16th. The catamaran will leave once a day at 15:30 from the port of Split and will arrive at 21:25 in Dubrovnik. The price of each ticket for adults and for children from 3 to 12 years old is 240 kuna.

Hvar Town

Photo: Mario Romulić

Through the Jadrolinija company, one can travel to Hvar town by catamaran at three different times: leaving Split at 8:30 am and arriving in Hvar at 9:35 am, leaving Split at 11:00 am and arriving in Hvar at 12:05 pm and leaving Split at 15:00 pm and arriving in Hvar at 16:05 pm. From June 16, one more catamaran line will be added, leaving Split at 15:30 pm and arriving in Hvar at 17:35 pm. Individual ticket prices are 110 kunas, except for the line from 15:00-16:05 (children from 3 to 12 years old pay 30 kunas, and adults pay 63 kunas).

Jelsa, Hvar

Photo: Mario Romulić

Also in Hvar, passengers can travel to Jelsa from Split by catamaran. There is only one schedule per day, with the catamaran departing from Split at 16:30 pm and arriving in Jelsa at 18:10 pm. The individual price of a ticket for an adult is 63 kunas and for children from 3 to 12 years old it is 30 kunas.

Korčula

Photo: Mario Romulić

The trip from Split to the city of Korčula is by catamaran, with only one schedule per day. The catamaran departs from Split at 15:30 pm and arrives in the city of Korčula at 19:10 pm. The price of each ticket for both adults and children is 150 kuna.

Rogač, Šolta

Image: Šolta Tourist Board

Those interested in going to the island of Šolta can do it through the ferry that leaves from the port of Split and arrives in the town of Rogač. There are up to five daily schedules, and they are as follows: 6:45 am - 7:45 am, 9:15 am - 10:15 am, 11:45 am - 12:45 pm, 16:15 pm - 17:15 pm, and 20:30 pm - 21:30 pm. The prices of each ticket are 41 kunas and tickets for children from 3 to 12 years old cost 20.5 kunas.

Stari Grad, Hvar

Photo: Mario Romulić

Apart from Hvar Town and Jelsa, one can also go by ferry to the beautiful town of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar. There are up to five daily schedules, and they are as follows: 5:00 am - 7:00 am, 8:30 am - 10: 30 am, 11:00 am - 13:00 pm, 14:30 pm - 16:30 pm, and 20:30 pm - 22:30 pm. The prices of each ticket are 55 kunas and tickets for children from 3 to 12 years old cost 27.5 kunas.

Supetar, Brač

Photo: Mario Romulić

Along with Rogač on the island of Šolta, Supetar on the island of Brač may be the closest destination to the port of Split. Therefore, one can find up to 12 daily ferry trips. They are as follows: 5:15 am - 6:05 am, 6:15 am - 7:05 am, 7:30 am - 8:20 am, 9:00 am - 9:50 am, 10:45 am - 11 :35 am, 12:30 pm - 1:20 pm, 2:15 pm - 3:05 pm, 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm, 6:00 pm - 6:50 pm, 7:30 pm - 8:00 pm :20 p.m., 9:30 p.m. - 9:50 p.m., and 11:59 p.m. - 00:49 a.m. The prices of each ticket are 41 kunas and tickets for children from 3 to 12 years old cost 20.5 kunas.

Ubli, Lastovo

Image: Lastovo Tourist Board

To travel to the sunny island of Lastovo, one can do it in two ways from the port of Split. Two ferry lines and one catamaran sail daily to Lastovo. The first ferry leaves in the morning, sometimes at 10:15 am and arriving in Lastovo at 15:30 pm, and other times at 10:30 am and also arriving at 15:30 pm. The other ferry leaves Split in the evening at 17:30 pm and arrives in Lastovo at 22:00 pm. The catamaran leaves at 15:00 pm and arrives in Lastovo at 18:25 pm. The price of the ferry ticket is 73 kunas and for children from 3 to 12 years old it is 38 kunas. The catamaran ticket price is 78 kunas and for children from 3 to 12 years old it is 37 kunas.

Vela Luka, Korčula

Photo: Mario Romulić

The other destination one can travel from Split to the island of Korčula is the town of Vela Luka. Two ferry lines and one catamaran sail daily to Vela Luka. The first ferry leaves in the morning, sometimes at 10:15 am and arriving in Vela Luka at 13:15 pm, and other times at 10:30 am and arriving at 13:30 pm. The other ferry leaves Split in the afternoon at 17:30 pm and arrives in Vela Luka at 20:15 pm. The catamaran leaves at 15:00 pm and arrives in Vela Luka at 17:20 pm. The price of the ferry ticket is 68 kunas and for children from 3 to 12 years old it is 34 kunas. The catamaran ticket price is 68 kunas and for children from 3 to 12 years old it is 32 kunas.

Vis

Photo: Mario Romulić

Finally, you will find two ferries and a catamaran that can take you daily to the island of Vis. The first ferry leaves in the morning from the Split port at 11:00 am and arrives in Vis at 13:20 pm. The other ferry leaves Split in the afternoon at 18:30 pm and arrives in Vis at 20:50 pm. The catamaran leaves at 15:00 pm and arrives in Vela Luka at 16:25 pm. The price of the ferry ticket is 62 kunas and for children from 3 to 12 years old it is 31 kunas. The catamaran ticket price is 62 kunas and for children from 3 to 12 years old it is 31 kunas.

The ferry lines mentioned above are those with confirmed schedules for the next three months. Visit the official Jadrolinija website for more information on other ferry lines from Split.

For more on travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

May the 19th, 2022 - Three Jadrolinija ferries which have gained ''legend'' status in their own respective rights, Premuda, Tijat and Postira, are all set to be replaced as the company moves towards new goals.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, for the very first time, Jadrolinija has initiated the procedure of purchasing fully electric vessels that will transport passengers in the Dubrovnik, Sibenik and Losinj areas, as was confirmed by the President of the Management Board of the national shipping company, David Sopta, for Rijeka portal Novi list.

A preliminary consultation procedure has since been initiated, as part of the public procurement procedure for three Jadrolinija ferries which will be up to 55 metres long and boast a transport capacity of at least 370 passengers, with fully electric propulsion.

Jadrolinija intends to finance the construction of these new vessels through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, as has been announced on several occasions, Sopta pointed out that this is only the first step in a comprehensive fleet renewal which is set to continue over the coming years, all of which will be in full accordance with the guidelines of the Croatian Government and the European Commission.

"Jadrolinija is continuing the process of investing in its fleet by using electric passenger ships. The boats will be intended for islanders and passengers in the Dubrovnik and Sibenik areas, as well as in the waters around Mali Losinj. This is a big step for Jadrolinija towards turning to green technologies with low greenhouse gas emissions. Jadrolinija is developing, adapting and following the trends of sustainable development, and our goal is for Jadrolinija to become a modern shipping company,'' said Sopta.

The new Jadrolinija ferries will maintain lines between Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands, ie the Elafiti islands, as well as between Sibenik and some of the surrounding island, as well as in Mali Losinj, Unije, Susak, Srakan and Ilovik. The new vessels will replace the already legendary ships; Postira, Tijat and Premuda, which are among the oldest in the national shipping fleet, some of which were built back in the 1950s.

As Novi list has also learned, all of these new Jadrolinija ferries will be fully equipped with additional classic, diesel engines, along with a system of batteries and electric motors, in case of bad weather or any other situation in which electricity will have to be produced on board. Under normal circumstances, the batteries of new ships will be recharged each time they dock in the port, which is why Jadrolinija has already initiated agreements with HEP and local port authorities. Ideally, depending on possible appeals and issues in the tender procedure, the new ships should be launched within about two years.

For more, make sure to check out our business section.

January the 21st, 2022 - The Croatian ferry company Jadrolinija is set to add a further six vessels to its fleet throughout 2022. The move brings with it some considerable hope that there will be more tourists visiting the country this year, particularly during the warm summer months, who will require transportation from the mainland to various islands and between them.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, the Minister of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure, Oleg Butkovic, announced this week that the procurement procedure for six new ships for the Croatian ferry company Jadrolinija will be launched this year, one of which will be for the line connecting the extreme southern Dalmatian islands of Sipan, Lopud and Kolocep with the City of Dubrovnik.

The above line is very important for not only locals of the islands and of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area, but for tourism, as many people plan trips to these beautiful islands when visiting the so-called Pearl of the Adriatic.

"This year we plan to procure six new vessels, three passenger ships and three catamarans through the National Recovery Programme (NPOO), and the construction of these ships will begin in 2023. Dubrovnik can expect a new vessel," said Minister Oleg Butkovic regarding the procurement of the new Jadrolinija vessels for public transport in response to Dubrovnik Mayor Mate Frankovic (HDZ).

The Dubrovnik Mayor has otherwise warned of the dilapidation of the "Postira" vessel which currently runs connecting the City of Dubrovnik and the nearby Elafiti (Elaphite) islands on numerous occasions.

Until then, the good old "Postira" ship will be fully serviced in order to continue doing its job, or, in case that proves pointless, another used ship will be procured in order for the line to continue in its regular function, the minister added.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated business and travel sections.

July the 18th, 2021 - Maritime Affairs Minister Oleg Butkovic has been in nearby Albania recently, more precisely in Tirana, where the suggestion to introduce a Croatia-Albania ferry line between the Croatian port of Zadar and the Albanian port of Durres was proposed.

As Morski writes, earlier this week, Minister Oleg Butkovic paid an official visit to the Republic of Albania, where he met with Belinda Belluku, Minister of Infrastructure and Energy of the Republic of Albania, and Blendi Klosi, Minister of Tourism and Environmental Protection.

At the meeting with the Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, all key issues of transport connectivity, the importance of Albania's inclusion in pan-European corridors, the possibility of transferring Croatian experience and knowledge from the EU integration process and in the field of transport were opened up.

Minister Butkovic pointed out that the cooperation of all countries on the traffic in the Adriatic-Ionian corridor is necessary, especially in the technical part of the development of future routes. Such cooperation includes technical assistance related to a better understanding of European policies in regard to transport and infrastructure, but also better use of EU funds.

Speaking about her ministry's plans and the need to rebuild Albania's railway network, Minister Balluku emphasised Albania's interest in further training staff in the area. In addition, the Minister announced that the Albanian side has provided funds for the construction of the Albanian section of the corridor and that it's realistic to expect that work on the project will begin in the spring of next year, and the estimated deadline for construction is three years.

Traffic connections between Croatia and Albania, a chance for a Croatia-Albania ferry line introduction?

Minister Butkovic emphasised the need for alternative solutions for connections between the two nearby nations. In this regard, it has been proposed to form a working group that will work on the preparation of the agreement and the establishment of a direct air route between Tirana and Zagreb, and that isn't all.

The establishment of a Croatia-Albania ferry line is in the interest of both sides, and the Croatian side proposed the establishment of the Zadar-Durres ferry line, and on that topic a meeting and tour of the port of Durres was held, where talks were held with representatives of the port, all of whom are also interested in expanding its capacity by connecting with neighbouring countries.

Assistance to the Albanians in solving the problem of marine waste

At a meeting with Minister of Tourism and Environmental Protection Blendi Klosi, Minister Butkovic proposed the launch of measures and activities to prevent potential marine pollution by marine waste in cooperation with Croatia, Montenegro and Albania.

On top of that, the possibility of developing programmes was also discussed. Through such programmes, the Croatian side would provide additional professional and technical assistance in resolving the issue of marine waste from land and vessels generated in Albania, as well as the development of projects aimed at strengthening administrative capacity in this important segment.

For more, follow our travel section.

The introduction of a high speed maritime connection between Lastovo-Korcula-Dubrovnik that will operate throughout the entire year is sure to bring relief to many, especially to southern Dalmatia's island inhabitants who often have to deal with irregularities in maritime connections with the mainland and indeed other islands.

As Morski writes on the 21st of May, 2020, at a recently held session, the Croatian Government adopted an amendment to a previously taken decision on determining state lines in terms of public transport, with its focus on this occasion on regular coastal maritime transport.

This decision will see the very welcome introduction a new year-round high speed line operating along the route: Lastovo-Korcula-Dubrovnik, and vice versa, with the aim of better connecting beautiful Lastovo with its county centre - the City of Dubrovnik.

The introduction of this brand new line will contribute to the improvement of the economic and tourist development of Dubrovnik-Neretva County as a whole and will ensure the better connection of the popular islands of Lastovo and Korcula with Dubrovnik, as well as the proper and constant interconnection of these two islands.

Regular public transport in what is referred to as regular coastal maritime transport in the Republic of Croatia includes 53 state lines, with a total fleet of 77 ships in operation along them.

Funds for the new high speed Lastovo-Korcula-Dubrovnik line, as well as for the other 53 state lines which exist in this segment of public transport in the Republic of Croatia, are provided for in the state budget, in the total amount of 329.5 million kuna for the year 2020, with projections of the required annual funds for 2021 and 2022 in the amount of 340 million kuna foreseen.

For more on maritime connections, islands, border crossings, destinations along the coast, the islands and in the continental part of the country, follow our dedicated travel page.

As Morski writes on the 9th of September, 2019, when Bodulka embarked on her first voyage from Šilo to Crikvenica sixty years ago, this ferry was a real treat for Crikvenica and Krk residents. It was not only a spectacular event, but also the beginning of a new era of ferry connections between Croatia's many islands and the mainland.

''Bodulka sailed for the first time on April the 12th at 10:25 from Šilo. It was loaded with one bus, several cars and a large number of islanders travelled those thirty minutes to reach the port of Crikvenica excitedly, where several hundred citizens were standing waiting for them and to witness Bodulka's arrival.

And that is truly a historic moment for Croatian maritime affairs, says Tea Rosić, a curator at the Crikvenica City Museum. She adds that this wooden ferry initially travelled four times a day, but that was not enough.

The story of Bodulka's ''reign'' on the Croatian Adriatic has of course attracted numerous tourists to the aforementioned Crikvenica museum. The crew of HRT's More (Sea) show also spoke with Mladen Dunat - Bodulka's very first helmsman. Private photographs and the uniforms of other members of Bodulka's crew can also be viewed at the exhibition.

The ferry sadly sank in Rovinj's port back in 2009, under her later name - Rovinjka, after maintaining the very first ferry line on the Croatian coast between Crikvenica and Šilo on the island of Krk for fifty long years.

According to Slobodna Dalmacija, the oldest wooden ferry on the Adriatic sea was built back in 1952 at Šibenik's "Velimir Skorpik" naval institute, as a landing ship for the needs of the then Yugoslav Nay (JRM), but its use was soon taken over by military purposes, and in 1959 she was purchased by Kvarnerska plovidba from Rijeka, where she was converted at the shipyard in Punat on the island Krk into ''Bodulka'' - a passenger ferry with a capacity of 130 passengers or twelve vehicles.

The chronicles state that on Sunday, April the 12th, 1959, Bodulka sailed from Šilo to Crikvenica carrying passengers, one bus, three cars and several motorcycles, thus securing her rightful place in Croatia's rich maritime history.

In 1963, Jadrolinija bought Bodulka, and after sixteen years, the ship changed its owner again, and in 1979, under the flag of the Rovinj company Jadranturist, Bodulka became Rovinjka, before sinking in 2009.

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As Morski writes on the 21st of March, 2019, the first conference regarding the construction of a brand new ferry dock in the port of Kaprije has been held at Šibenik's city hall, handled by the Port Authority of Šibenik-Knin County.

The total value of the island's ferry dock project currently stands at over 11 million kuna, of which 9.3 million kuna is being financed by European Union funds, 1.6 million kuna is being co-financed by the Croatian Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure, head by Oleg Butković, while the Port Authority of Šibenik-Knin County is participating in the project with a bit more than 42,000 kuna.

The details of the new Kaprije project were presented to those gathered by the director of the competent port authority, Željko Dulibić, who pointed out that the new pier will be 55 meters long, with a surface measurement of 330 square metres, and will allow for vessels with deeper beams that are less susceptible to the impact of winds to dock, and so that the island of Kaprije's inhabitants will be better connected to the mainland.

The location on which the ferry dock is set to be constructed is located in an area which is managed by by the Port Authority of Šibenik-Knin County and is located about 700 metres northwest of the centre of Kaprije.

The main objectives of the project are to improve the traffic connections of the island of Kaprije with the mainland City of Šibenik and the other islands which belong to the Šibenik archipelago, improve traffic safety within the centre of the bay and Kaprije, improve the access of Kaprije's residents to their respective workplaces, education facilities, medical facilities and other such locations which typically lie on the mainland, and reduce traffic congestion and noise as well as aim to improve overall traffic safety within the centre of the bay and Kaprije.

The current foreseen deadline for the completion of this infrastructure project is summer 2020.

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As Morski writes on the 21st of March, 2019, a session of the Municipal Council of Vela Luka on the island of Korčula was attended by the county's deputy prefect Joško Cebalo, who expressed the wider county's support for all of the innovative projects currently being prepared and implemented by the municipality, which are aided by EU funds.

''This time especially, I'd like to emphasise sincere congratulations to all of the employees of Vela Luka's home for the elderly for the municipal award that will be given to them today,'' Joško Cebalo stated, adding that the project of energy renovation for the home, which is worth more than four million kuna, will soon begin.

Port infrastructure is still seen as a top priority for Vela Luka. Deputy Prefect Cebalo stressed the fact that this issue really is a matter over which the county's administration is continuing to take care and that one of its main priorities is the continued renewal and further construction of Vela Luka's highly important port infrastructure.

According to him, the county is currently preparing as many as eight projects worth over 500 million kuna in total, and the most important for Vela Luka's residents were highlighted, these include the construction of a new ferry-passenger terminal worth 60 million kuna, which should be implemented this year, and the project of the construction of a fishing port, for which the project documentation is currently being prepared.

''As the completion of the construction of Pelješac bridge will be the symbol of the first decade of Croatia's membership of the European Union, these two projects in Vela Luka will symbolise [our] development thanks to EU funds, as well as our care for the islands,'' concluded Vela Luka's deputy prefect.

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