The Port of Rijeka has completed the Adriatic Gate terminal infrastructure modernization project, which involves deepening the bottom of the southern pier. The initiative, implemented within the framework of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) program, was supported by the European CEF Blending Fund, providing co-financing of 20% of the total project cost, which amounted to EUR 17.39 million, including VAT. The remaining 80% of the funding came from the earmarked funds of the Port of Rijeka Authority.
The contract for the execution of the works was concluded with the Italian company NUOVA CO. ED. MAR S.r.l. on 18 June 2020, after which the works began on 24 August of the same year and were completed on 24 September 2024. A technical inspection was carried out on 22 October, and the issuance of an operating permit is now awaited. The project involved dredging the seabed along a 100-metre section of the southern pier, increasing the depth from 11.6 to 16.5 metres.
The entire 428-metre operational coastal area of the Kostrena pier now has a depth of 14.88 metres, allowing large container ships to be received along the entire berth. This significantly improves vessel handling conditions and eliminates the need for mooring to a buoy.