First commercial ship berths at Rijeka Gateway
The Rijeka Gateway, a collaborative project between Denmark’s A.P. Moller-Maersk and Croatia’s Energia Naturalis (ENNA Group), has officially commenced operations with the arrival of the container ship Al Jasrah. This significant milestone took place on September 10, marking a new chapter for the terminal and the region. The 368-meter-long vessel, part of the Asia-Europe shipping route, docked in Rijeka after traveling from Port Said, Egypt.
Significance of the Rijeka Gateway
Officials from ENNA Group celebrated the arrival of the Al Jasrah as a pivotal moment for Rijeka and the broader Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. Croatian Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Butković described the event as a “historic moment” for the nation, emphasizing the challenges faced in bringing the terminal to fruition. He noted the demanding process of securing financing, constructing access roads, and finalizing the concession agreement.
Denis Vukorepa, Director of the Port of Rijeka Authority, highlighted the terminal’s significance, calling the concession agreement signed in November 2021 the largest in the port’s history. The total investment in the Rijeka Gateway and its associated transport infrastructure is approximately €600 million (around $701 million). This investment includes the construction of a 400-meter quay, funded by a World Bank loan, and various enhancements to the port’s internal infrastructure.
Vukorepa also pointed out the importance of reliable rail connectivity for the terminal’s operations. The Rijeka Gateway aims to handle 60% of its traffic by rail, enhancing both competitiveness and sustainability. The terminal has been integrated into the Gemini Cooperation between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, specifically for the EA12 service, further solidifying its role in international shipping.
Future Prospects and Sustainability Initiatives
The construction of the Rijeka Gateway began in September 2023, with the initial phase focusing on a 400-meter-long and 20-meter-deep quay, designed to accommodate an annual capacity of 650,000 TEUs. Future expansions are planned to increase the quay length to 680 meters and the capacity to over one million TEUs. In a commitment to sustainability, the terminal has secured electricity from renewable sources, primarily solar and wind power, through ENNA Next, a member of the ENNA Group.
In August, the terminal reached a significant milestone with the arrival of the 1,440 TEU container vessel M/V Cape Fulmar, further signaling its readiness for full operations. The Rijeka Gateway is poised to become a crucial entry point for Central and Southeastern Europe, enhancing the region’s logistics capabilities and contributing to a greener future in maritime transport.
