The first commercial container ship with a capacity of 15,000 TEU has docked at the new Rijeka Gateway terminal in the Port of Rijeka in Croatia, marking the start of its operations. The press conference held to mark the event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butkovic, Executive Director of the Port of Rijeka Denis Vukorepa and representatives of the concessionaire – APM Terminals and ENNA Group. The new terminal has the capacity to handle up to 650,000 TEU per year, and after the completion of the second stage, its capacity will exceed one million TEU.
According to Denis Vukorepa, Rijeka Gateway has become the most modern, “green” and technologically advanced container terminal in the region. The project, worth approximately €600 million, is being implemented jointly by the Government of Croatia, the Port of Rijeka Authority, HŽ Infrastruktura, Croatian Roads and the concessionaire. The concession company itself has invested around €380 million, creating 250 jobs and introducing cutting-edge technology, including four STS super panamax cranes, 15 RTGs, two RMGs and 28 terminal tractors with a centralized control system.
The terminal is already included in the Gemini cooperation between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd on the EA12 line, making Rijeka a key hub on one of the world’s most important shipping routes. The use of renewable energy, automation of processes and the ability to handle vessels up to 18,000 TEU (in the future – up to 24,000 TEU) will strengthen Croatia’s position in global supply chains and contribute to the economic growth of the region.