At the Croatian Maritime Museum in Split, the most valuable specimens of torpedo weapons have been being exhibited from the world's first torpedo factory, in Rijeka. This British-Croatian invention took the world of naval warfare by storm, and its two creators, one from Rijeka in Croatia and the other from Bolton in England, are being honoured.

As Morski writes on the 30th of March, 2019, the museum's curators Petra Blažević and Ljubomir Radić formed a new museum exhibition of the torpedo collection back in 2016. The occasion was the 150th anniversary of the emergence of torpedoes, which was once the most prominent weapon to have existed in naval warfare, the prototypes of which were created by Giovanni Biagio Luppis Freiherr von Rammer, sometimes also known by the Croatian name of Vukić, a Croat born in Rijeka, who served in the Austro-Hungarian Navy.

We often hear that the torpedo was entirely invented in Croatia, but in terms of international recognition, that honour goes to the the British public, more specifically to Robert Whitehead, an English engineer born in Bolton in northern England, who gained his fame for the development of the very first effective self-propelled naval torpedo.

Luppis, born in Rijeka with family ties to the southern Dalmatian region of Pelješac, had the desire to create the so-called "coast guard,'' which was a self-managed ship loaded with an explosive to protect the coast from attacks coming from the sea. Since he had no funds for the development of such a project, nor did he have the proper engineering knowledge for the task, he connected with the manager of the Rijeka metals factory, Robert Whitehead, a Brit.

From their friendship and cooperation there came a weapon called a torpedo, and how frightening it was to gaze upon this newly-made weapon, French travel writer Victor Tissot testifies, who, after his stay in Rijeka, referred to it as "the most terrible of all sea monsters".

Soon after the ''birth'' of the torpedo, Luppis went to live in Italy and sold his share, production remained in the hands of his friend Robert Whitehead, who was still across the Adriatic sea in his factory in Rijeka. By the end of the 19th century, most of the world's navies started to acquire the Rijeka-made torpedoes and warfare at sea became unthinkable without the use of this weapon, at least until the end of the second world war.

As a natural continuation of the valorisation of this truly outstanding torpedo collection, which has been inherited by the Croatian Maritime Museum in Split, the authors of the exhibition have created a book with a catalog of the collections.

''Both the exhibition and the book bring out the historical context of the torpedo's creation, the biographies of both Luppis and Whitehead, and a series of interesting uses of torpedoes on torpedo boats. The bilingual book, which in honour of the torpedo's British and Croatian creators, has been published in Croatian and English, was promoted to the public back in February at the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum in Zagreb and then again in March in Split,'' said Radić.

Make sure to follow our dedicated lifestyle page for more on Croatian history, inventions, heritage, and much more.

At the start of the enfeebled Uljanik's bigger problems, the Croatian Government's view was either restructuring or bankruptcy, and now there's no time to devise any sort of new solution.

As Marija Brnic/Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 28th of March, 2019, the government rejected the offer of strategic partner Brodosplit for Uljanik's restructuring, and thus, although the prime minister tried to avoid actually saying it, a process that would have a domino effect on all the companies operating within the Pula-based group system was launched.

The fact that there is no longer a strategic partner for Uljanik, which was the main argument for the postponement of the opening of bankruptcy proceedings in the previous proceedings on the 3 Maj shipyard and Uljanik's other companies, is changing the situation and it is now clear that no matter how much room the government initially left for some possible new solutions, the judge in Pazin doesn't have much of a choice today and will determine that the conditions for declaring bankruptcy for the Uljanik shipyard are now fulfilled. Such a decision automatically withdraws what the Rijeka court stated and opens bankruptcy proceedings for the 3 Maj shipyard.

All the speculations that there could be another possibility for Uljanik, for which Prime Minister Andrej Plenković left space in his statement, are empty stories, not only because of the fact that right at the very beginning of Uljanik's growing woes, the government's position was that the only possible scenarios for Uljanik's rescue were restructuring or bankruptcy, but also because of the fact that now, there is definitely no more time available to come up with a new solution for the burdened shipyard. When it comes to the question of the possibility of the continuation of shipbuilding in Pula and Rijeka as a whole, the key question remains the same - how many ships could buyers actually be found for, and then arrive other questions regarding financing through bankruptcy.

Two ships that are now in their final stages of construction in Pula were de facto detained over the past few days by the company's emotionally exhausted employees, and Uljanik's workers aren't finishing the job, because "other" workers, not from that shipyard, are working on Scenic's polar cruiser, while Jan de Nul is awaiting the government's decision to pay the requested difference of 22 million euros and to take over and finish it in Trieste, Italy.

From Pula, the request was for the completion of construction to be carried out in Uljanik, but the government didn't even discuss that yesterday, so it remains unknown as to whether the Ministry of Finance has worked to meet the necessary conditions, and if so, when it intends to pay any price differences and deal with the issue of the contracted vessels.

Although it's quite impossible to describe the situation surrounding Uljanik and Croatian shipbuilding as a whole as anything remotely positive, its rather lucky, analysts agree, that all of this happened and seems to have finally reached its peak in a year in which a surplus was recorded, but that doesn't minimise the issues Uljanik faces, nor does it even begin to confront the shipyard's overworked and well and truly underpaid employees.

The interesting thing which always happens in Croatia is the intertwining of business and politics. Just like with the messy Agrokor situation that has dominated the Croatian media for the past couple of years, there is always a political element, and if there isn't really one, someone will make you believe there is. The Istrian Democratic Party (IDS) has accused the Croatian Government of purposely trying to cause issues by using the Uljanik saga to its benefit, even claiming that the ''government's lack of action and indecisiveness'' is an attempt to destabilise Istria.

Make sure to stay up to date by following our dedicated business and politics pages for much more.

Click here for the original article by Marija Brnic for Poslovni Dnevnik

We've written about the recently promoted, edgy video directed by one of the most renowned Croatian directors Dalibor Matanić (who has recently received international praise and awards for his series The Paper, which was the first Croatian series to be sold to Netflix, and which, coincidentally or not takes place mostly in Rijeka) as a part of the promotion of Rijeka as the European Capital of Culture in 2020. And just like we predicted, the Rijeka promotional video stirred a lot of differing reactions.

So, Novi list, a Rijeka-based daily paper collected some of the strongest reactions to the video. Many people like the video, and those who do not like it have so many various reasons why they don't. Some of the strongest criticisms of the video complain that there is literally no culture in it, which is supposed to be the centre of attention in the European Capital of Culture promotional video. Some mention the fact that the town of Rijeka is portrayed as empty and lifeless. Some complain that Matanić was selected to direct it, ignoring his credentials we mentioned before. Some even complain about the fact that there are no religious influences present in the video. Those who saw the vide with less judgemental but still critical eyes are not sure who the target audience for the video is, who it's talking to, what the message to them is. Of course, as always in Croatia (but anywhere, really), there are people complaining about the price tag, which was around 67 thousand euro.

Some say that, while it's an absolute master-piece on its own, the video is a complete failure as a Rijeka promotional video. It's an innovative, high quality look into the dystopian town, with sci-fi influences. Vedran Jakominić, well know restaurateur from Rijeka says that he wishes the entire project of Rijeka 2020 would have this Blade Runner theme, like the video.

There are, of course, those who just love the video, what it says, the emotion it conveys. Svetozar Nilović from Peek&Poke museum in Rijeka says that he loves the video. So, one of the purposes of making the Rijeka promotional video was fulfilled - it's talked about. It's being shared on the social networks, everyone has seen it and has an opinion.

The new video of the Rijeka Tourist Board, Croatian Tourist Board, and the commercial company Rijeka 2020 d.o.o., on the theme of the European Capital of Culture (EPK 2020), was created by renowned Croatian director Dalibor Matanić and production company Filmerija d.o.o. The video was promoted at the Art Cinema earlier this week, reports Fiuman.hr on March 25, 2019. 

The Rijeka Tourist Board emphasizes that the video is filmed at many attractive locations in Rijeka and reflects the symbolism of the Port’s diversity, which Rijeka represents as the holder of the European Capital of Culture 2020 title. Director Matanić said that the video should send a message of optimism that drives us and hopes they have succeeded in that.

The director of Rijeka 2020, Emina Višnić, is also pleased and congratulated the production and creative team on the excellent film, saying that "it exactly hit what the European Capital of Culture is and the diversity of the Port.” She added that the film was brave, unusual and that it was obvious that it was done not only for the locals but for the European and international scene.

The new promotional video was filmed from a public invitation which sought creative agency services and video production, which was announced by the City of Rijeka, with the co-financing of the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ). The Director of HTZ, Kristjan Staničić, was thankful for the brilliant handiwork and believes that the promotional video has a high artistic value, and that it also exacerbates emotions, which is essential for marketing. Staničić added that HTZ, this year and next year, will allocate funds to promote the Rijeka project EPK 2020.

The Mayor of Rijeka, Vojko Obersnel, believes the film is exceptionally good and is typically Rijeka. He added that the film features everything that makes Rijeka what it is, from rain to the Rijeka rock scene, theatre, industrial heritage, various generations, and industrial plants.

The international premiere of the promotional video was held at the world's largest travel fair, ITB Berlin, which lasted from March 6 to 10.

The video allegedly cost about 550,000 kuna.

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

ZAGREB, March 26, 2019 - Prime Minister Andrej Plenković visited the northern coastal city of Rijeka and the Brajdica terminal which is currently under reconstruction, an investment that is valued at some 30 million euro, and there he expressed his satisfaction with investments in key infrastructure for the Rijeka area.

Plenković visited the construction site of the Rijeka - Brajdica railway station and the construction of an intermodal terminal, a project that is being jointly implemented by the Rijeka Port Administration and the HŽ Infrastruktura railway operator and 85% of the project or 30.2 million euro is being financed from the Connecting Europe Facility.

"We also visited the Brajdica terminal, one of the projects valued at some 30 million euro of all the current investments in port, railway and road infrastructure in Rijeka that are worth as much as 200 million euro," Plenković told reporters.

The intermodal terminal being reconstructed at Brajdica is valued at 36 million euro.

Plenković added that in about three years' time Rijeka would have new capacities and that it would resolve one of its more expensive road problems which will connect the terminal with the motorway in a much faster and simpler way than now, he underscored.

The connecting road should be completed in about 30 months' time and is valued at about 70 million euro and a call for bids will be advertised in April, Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković announced recently.

"We are satisfied with these investments that will make Rijeka not just the European capital of culture next year and will put Croatia on the cultural map of Europe but also it will significantly strengthen all key infrastructure facilities and services that strengthen the economy and quality of life for Rijeka residents and everyone who lives in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and from two other counties who come here frequently," Plenković said.

More Rijeka news can be found in the Lifestyle section.

It’ll be another busy year for Croatian airports as some 11 million passengers are expected to travel through them in 2019. Recall, this is quite an increase from last year’s 10.5 million. But who’s counting. 

Here’s a breakdown of what Croatia’s nine commercial airports expect this year, courtesy of Ex-Yu Aviation on March 21, 2019. 

Zagreb Airport: The airport in Croatia’s capital expects a 5% increase in passengers in 2019, with a 3% growth in operations. This is thanks to several carriers boosting capacities this summer, including Iberia, Vueling, LOT Polish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Eurowings. Many other airlines, however, will expand operations. 

Split Airport: It’ll be an exciting year for Split airport, which will open their new terminal in June. As works are still aggressively underway to meet the summer deadline, Pero Bilas, Deputy General Manager of Split Airport, announced the usual 5 to 10% increase in passengers this year. Split airport will also see 50 airlines this summer, with many new carriers including Air France, British Airways, Luxair, Ryanair and Laudamotion.

Dubrovnik Airport: It’ll be another solid year for Dubrovnik airport, which expects passenger growth of 4.59% in 2019. Most travelers are expected from the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Nearly 70 airlines will operate to the city this year, and most exciting is the launch of the American Airlines flight from Philadelphia, which will connect the US to Croatia for the first time in 28 years. Also impressive is that Flydubai will continue with trips this summer and Ryanair will launch flights to Dubrovnik. A significant increase in traffic should be seen from London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Dublin said Dubrovnik airport general manager Frano Luetić.

Pula Airport: After a record 2018, Pula airport projects growth of 7% this year and expects to handle 750,000 travelers. Eleven thousand flights will operate out of the airport in 2019, with airlines EasyJet, Laudamotion, TUI Airways, Jet2, and Condor all introducing new services. Brexit, however, could affect the airport this year, as 32% of passengers traveling through Pula are British. 

Zadar Airport: It’ll be a big year for Zadar airport as Ryanair introduces eight new routes from the city. Easyjet will add two new lines, while Iberia Express, Air Serbia, Transavia, Laudamotion and Condor will launch seasonal flights this summer. Zadar airport will count 16 airlines and 51 trips to 31 destinations in Europe this year and should count an additional 100,000 passengers to last year’s 603,819. 

Rijeka Airport: Lufthansa, Air Serbia, TUI Airways and Volotea will launch operations at Rijeka airport this year, which should see a 16% increase in passengers. Operations at Rijeka airport should also increase by 6%. Many airlines will also boost activities to Rijeka, such as Transavia, who will increase flights by 300% compared to last year. 

Osijek Airport: A growth of 11% and 74,300 travelers are expected at Osijek airport this year. While Wizz Air will boost operations on its Basel service, Eurowings will begin their service from Cologne forty days earlier. 

Brač Airport: Dalmatia’s island airport should see around 31,000 travelers in 2019, which is the same as last year. Recall, the airport is currently in the process of expanding its runway and terminal, which is the primary focus. Works should begin in 2020. 

Lošinj Airport: To conclude, the seasonal Lošinj airport will maintain flights from Zagreb and Lugano on Silver Air this summer, while the Czech carrier will introduce a new operation to Venice twice a week, replacing their Pula route. 

You can read the full report on Ex-Yu Aviation. 

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

One of the City of Rijeka's biggest problems is the parking situation. Just like many other cities across Croatia, sometimes drivers are left with little choice other than to get a bit creative with how and where they leave their car, but that harmless couple of minutes in which you think you'll get away with leaving it parked where it shouldn't be could cost you thanks to Rijeka's new cameras.

Just when you thought Big Brother couldn't possibly think of anything else, he does. New parking cameras have found their way to Rijeka, and some of them even send photos of your crime directly to the police while you remain clueless. One trial camera is already in operation in the city.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 21st of March, 2019, failure to comply with traffic regulations when it comes to improper parking is still being listed as one of the biggest problems in Rijeka according to the traffic directorate's data for the year 2018, Novi list writes.

Given the fact that no new job positions will be opened and therefore no new employees will take up work, there will still be twenty employees in Rijeka's city administration. Therefore, the City of Rijeka plans to quickly set up five quality high-resolution cameras in numerous places across Rijeka's city centre to keep a watchful eye on any unsuspecting drivers who are illegally parked at bus stops or at delivery places and drop-off points.

One test camera is already in operation at Fiumara and the system is allegedly working very well, despite the fact (in reality, especially because) drivers who have parked illegally are still blissfully unaware that their vehicle's license plates are being photographed and that the system then sends the images any any additional data directly to the traffic police in order to have the appropriate punishment written out.

Make sure to follow our dedicated news and lifestyle pages for much more.

ZAGREB, March 18, 2019 - A ceremony was held at the Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Coast in Rijeka to mark the 300th anniversary of a charter declaring Rijeka a free port, with Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Oleg Butković saying that the event had marked the beginning of the city's intensive overall growth.

The Port of Rijeka was granted a charter as a free port by Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI on 18 March 1719.

Addressing the ceremony, Mayor Vojko Obersnel said that the charter had been of critical importance for the city's development. Important events in that development were the construction of roads towards the country's interior in the 18th century and the construction of a railway in the 19th century, he recalled.

"The status that accompanied Rijeka at the time when it was part of Austria, Hungary, Italy, Yugoslavia and now Croatia, has made the city an important geographic point and opened it up to the world," said Obersnel, noting that Rijeka's turbulent and rich past had made it what it was today - an open and tolerant city with different ethnic groups, religions and cultures.

Speaking of projects to upgrade the port, Obersnel recalled one launched in 2003 with the support of the World Bank to modernise the port infrastructure. He said that the port development projects also included a plan to build a lowland railway, the D-403 road, a new container terminal and a ring road.

Noting that Rijeka has extraordinary economic potential, Minister Butković said a major investment cycle was underway involving seven port infrastructure projects worth 133 million euro, which, together with the road D-403, made total investments exceed 200 million euro.

Speaking of plans to build a lowland railway from Zagreb to Rijeka, Butković said that this year a tender would be published for the construction of the first section, running from Hrvatski Leskovac to Karlovac.

Rijeka Port Authority head Denis Vukorepa said that the container terminal at the port's Zagrebačka Obala section was nearing completion, that possible investors had shown interest and that an agreement on a licence to operate the terminal would be signed in September.

He noted that all current projects would be completed in 2021 by which time the port would become a strong intermodal transport centre in the northern Adriatic.

Answering a reporter's question, Butković said that he expected Chinese partners, too, to be interested in the Zagrebačka Obala terminal and the lowland railway, which is expected to be financed with EU funds as well as based on the concession model.

More news about Rijeka can be found in the Lifestyle section.

March 18, 2019 - The 25th round of the Croatian First League was held from March 15 to 17, 2019, and saw Hajduk inch even closer to the top three, Rijeka topple Osijek, and Dinamo claim another win. 

March 12, 2019 - The latest news from around Croatia’s airports for new flights to Croatia with updates from Rijeka, Dubrovnik, and Split.