Prime Minister Andrej Plenković participated today at the ceremonial opening of the Rijeka Gateway Terminal, the most technologically advanced and fully automated container terminal in this part of Europe, which represents one of the most important logistics investments in the modern history of Croatia. The opening of the terminal marks the beginning of a new phase in the development of the Rijeka port system and Croatian logistics, opening up numerous economic opportunities. Prime Minister Plenković pointed out that 380 million euros has been invested in the terminal so far, emphasizing Rijeka’s unique position in infrastructure for logistics, transport and energy.
The project is being implemented within the framework of the Concession Agreement for the development and economic use of the terminal on the Zagreb Coast in the Port of Rijeka, signed in November 2021.
The terminal is being developed in cooperation with the concessionaire APM Terminals from the Netherlands (a member of the Maersk Group) and ENNA Logic d.o.o. from Croatia, and around 500 million euros will be invested in its construction and equipment, as well as in the accompanying transport infrastructure.
Before the terminal’s opening ceremony, Prime Minister Plenković met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, and with representatives of Maersk and APM Terminals.
“Thanks to their cooperation, with the support of the Croatian Government through investment in transport infrastructure, the largest private logistics investment to date in Croatia is being realized. With the new modern port terminal, Rijeka once again confirms its key role on the map of European and global transport,” he said after the meeting on platform X.
In his speech at the terminal opening, the Prime Minister emphasized that this major project is part of the Government’s broader activities in the modernization of the country, in solid integration into the core of the European Union and the policy of modern sovereignty.
He added that it is a prime example of state and private partner investments in critical infrastructure.
We live in a world of instability, wars, insecurity, migration threats, pandemics and changed international circumstances, and in such circumstances, people, economies and states need a solid and stable policy that ensures internal stability and enables great development within the framework of broader integration, said Prime Minister Plenković.
Part of wider investments in Rijeka and Primorje-Gorski Kotar County
He assessed it as symbolic that this event is taking place today during the Danish presidency of the Council of the European Union.
For us, this event is important because it is taking place at a time when Croatia is chairing two initiatives connecting the Mediterranean and continental Europe. Croatia currently chairs the Three Seas Initiative, which connects the Adriatic, Black and Baltic Seas. A few days ago in Portorož, we took over the EU MED-9 presidency, an initiative of nine Mediterranean EU members, the Prime Minister said.
He added that the terminal is part of wider investments in Rijeka and Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, and listed the LNG terminal on Krk, new gas pipelines, the second tube of the Učka tunnel, the renovation of the old tube of the Učka tunnel, the state road 403 worth 80 million euros that connected the Rijeka bypass with this terminal.
The next phase of major investments in railway infrastructure
In order for this investment, worth 210 million euros in the first phase and an additional 180 million euros in the second phase, to reach its full potential, it needs a modern railway, the Prime Minister emphasized, adding that this is the next phase of major investments in transport infrastructure.
Further major investments in railway infrastructure represent the determination of the Croatian Government to ensure that Rijeka, which is located on three trans-European transport corridors, the Adriatic-Baltic corridor, the Mediterranean corridor and the Western Balkans-Eastern Mediterranean corridor, is used in the best possible way for the economic development of Croatia.
Such an investment with private partners, namely the renowned Maersk company, one of the leading logistics companies in the world, represents an additional, strong affirmation of Croatia on the international level.
He added that in addition to these 300 jobs, he expects the creation of new jobs in the future, as well as further investments.
“This is a great day for Croatia, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and Rijeka, and congratulations to everyone who participated in the implementation of this project and made their contribution,” said the Prime Minister.
Butković: Investments that change the face of the city of Rijeka and the entire region
Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković said that with this project, Rijeka stands alongside the largest ports of the northern Adriatic and becomes a new center of intermodal connectivity in the region.
“This is a project that permanently changes the position of our country on the economic map of Europe,” he said.
Together with the projects of the Port Authority, Croatian Roads and HŽ Infrastructure, a system has been created that connects the sea, road and railway into a single logistics unit, he added.
“These are investments that change the face of the city and the entire region,” he concluded and announced the next strategic goal – the construction of the Rijeka-Zagreb-Budapest lowland railway.
Rasmussen: With this project, we are strengthening the whole of Europe and making it more resilient
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark Lars Løkke Rasmussen said that this investment is not only strengthening Croatia and Denmark, but also the whole of Europe, which in the changed political circumstances must become more resilient and competitive.
“The terminal will enable a fast and easy flow of goods and cargo in Europe. With this investment in the terminal, we are not only strengthening Croatia and Denmark, but also Europe and making it more resilient,” he stressed.
He added that, in a changing world, we need a more resilient and competitive Europe.
On this occasion, the Danish Foreign Minister also welcomed Croatia’s continued support for Ukraine.