Key facts
- Croatia aims to strengthen its role as a maritime gateway linking Asia with Central and Eastern Europe.
- Plans are underway to expand the container terminal at the Port of Rijeka.
- The Port of Rijeka is Croatia's largest port and a key trade hub.
- The Brajdica Terminal development is expected to significantly boost container handling capacity.
- Croatia is also developing its role as an energy hub, particularly with the LNG terminal on Krk Island.
Croatia is actively working to establish itself as a primary maritime gateway connecting Asia, particularly China, with Central and Eastern Europe. Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Butkovic stated that plans are in motion to significantly expand the handling capacity of a container terminal at the Port of Rijeka.
Rijeka Port, Croatia's largest, is strategically located on the northern Adriatic Sea, shielded by natural barriers, making it an advantageous hub. It comprises several specialized terminals, including Rijeka, Sušak, Brajdica, Bakar, and Krk Island terminals, each serving different cargo types. The ongoing development of the Brajdica Terminal is expected to substantially increase the port's container handling capabilities.
Currently, Rijeka Port handles over 65 million tons of cargo annually, with a significant portion being transit goods for landlocked Central European countries. The port's strategic importance is further amplified by its role in energy logistics, notably the LNG terminal on Krk Island which facilitates American LNG imports into Europe. Croatia's recent integration into the EU, adoption of the euro, and accession to the Schengen Agreement underscore its growing economic and geopolitical significance.
The country is also fostering innovation, with companies like Rimac in EV technology, Infobip in communications, ReversingLabs in cybersecurity, and Microblink in AI showcasing its potential as an innovation nation. Discussions are also underway regarding defense industry cooperation and the adoption of small modular reactors (SMRs).