Croatia has a very rich maritime tradition and a detailed port network that holds the country together in commerce, transportation, and tourism.
In this article, we will look at all ports that plays a significant role in Croatia economic development. That is, ports in Croatia that help shipping goods to various destination.
Let’s look at some of the best ports in Croatia for your shipping and logistics:
Busiest Ports in Croatia
1. Port of Rijeka
- Port Location: On the Northern Adriatic Sea, Primorje-GorskiKotar County and has coordinates 45.3271˚ N, 14.4422˚ E.
- Port Code: HRRJK
- Port Capacity Handling Annually: Capable of handling over 13 million tons of cargo.
- Port Management: Managed by Luka Rijeka d.d
The Port of Rijeka is the busiest and largest port in the Coratia. It was established in the year 1719.
Since then, this port has specialized and well-structured terminals for container handling, bulk cargo, and passenger services. It is also equipped with modern facilities such as the Zagreb Deep Sea Container Terminal.
Due to this, the efficient operations in international trading are assured. If you are shipping to central Europe, then ports in Croatia may play an important role. However, you will have to use road and rail, to complete your shipping to Europe.
2. Port of Split
- Port Location: Split-Dalmatia County, Central Adriatic Coast and has coordinates 43.5081˚ N, 16.4402˚ E.
- Port Code: HRSPU
- Port Capacity Handling Annually: Can easily handle about 4 million tons of cargo.
- Port Management: Managed by the Split Port Authority
This port has indeed been existence for several centuries (the 4th Century). Truth is, it was built as a part of the Diocletian Palace.
The port has transformed over the years into a main passenger and cargo center. Furthermore, the port has terminals for cruise ships, freights, and ferries. Also, it has a passenger terminal that is able to handle more than 5 million people each year.
This makes it a major hub for tourism. Its location is famous due to its closeness to the renowned islands such as Brac and Hvar.
3. Port of Ploce
- Port Location: Near the Nerevta River Delta in Southern Dalmatia and has coordinates 43.0552˚ N, 17.4333˚ E.
- Port Code: HRPLC
- Port Capacity Handling Annually: Can handle about 5 million tons of cargo
- Port Management: Managed by the Luca Ploced.d.
The Port of Ploce is an important cargo port that serves Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was established in the year 1939. It also includes unique facilities for liquid cargo, bulk cargo, and containers.
Furthermore, this port has specialized terminals such as the Grain Terminal to increase its operational capacity. Due to its unique location, it has become a major point of transit for Eastern and Central Europe.
4. Port of Zadar
- Port Location: Northern Dalmatian Coast, Zadar County, and has coordinates 44.1194˚ N, 15.2314˚ E.
- Port Code: HRZAD
- Port Capacity Handling Annually: Capable of handling approximately 1.5 million tons of cargo.
- Port Management: Managed by the Zadar Port Authority
If you are looking for port in Croatia that can handle both commercial shipping and passenger, then you can count on the Port of Zadar. It was established in the year 1928.
Also, it has terminals for cargo, ferries, and cruise ships. It has the Gazenica Terminal which is a unique and modern facility to cater to cruise ships, making better its role in tourism.
But more importantly, Zadar is a famous region. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and this boosts its value as a tourist gateway.
5. Port of Dubrovnik
- Port Location: Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Southern Croatia and has coordinates 42.6402˚ N, 18.1088˚ E.
- Port Code: HRDBV
- Port Capacity Handling Annually: Can easily handle about 500,000 tons of cargo.
- Port Management: Managed by the Dubrovnik Port Authority
The Port of Dubrovnik is a historical and tourism center. Its Gruz Terminal serves ferries and cruise ships. Since it has a UNESCO-listed Old Town close to it, Dubrovnik is a main cruise spot or destination for tourists worldwide. The port also handles more than 1 million passengers each year.
6. Port of Pula
- Port Location: Northern Adriatic, Istria County, and has coordinates 42.6402˚ N, 18.1088˚ E.
- Port Code: HRPUY
- Port Capacity Handling Annually: Can easily handle about 1 million tons of cargo.
- Port Management: Managed by the Port Authority of Pula
The Port of Pula focuses on handling passenger vessels, fishing, and cargo. It has a deep-sea terminal that accommodates large ships. Also, due to its closeness to historical locations or sites such as Pula Arena, its role in tourism is greatly enhanced.
7. Port of Sibenik
- Port Location: Sibenik-Knin County, Central Adriatic and has coordinates 43.7330˚ N, 15.8954˚ E.
- Port Code: HRSIB
- Port Capacity Handling Annually: Is able to handle around 1.2 million tons.
- Port Management: Managed by the Sibenik Port Authority
From passenger ferries, bulk cargo, and cruise ships, you should expect the Port of Sibenik to handle all your shipping needs.
With its location closer to the Krka National Park and the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James, it is a huge hum for tourism in the region. So, many tourists from all over the world visit each year.
Less Busy Ports in Croatia
8. Port of Rovinj
This port is famous for its unique look and charm. It is filled with exciting fishing activities and serves as the main path for tourism and small ferries in the region.
9. Port of Korcula
Port of Korcula supports tourism and local ferry traffic in the region. Also, it is loved due to its ancient and medieval architecture, not forgetting the city walls.
10. Port of Makarska
This port is the pathway to enter the Makarska Riviera. It serves to leisure boats and small ferries. Also, it has an enchanting waterfront that draws in tourists from far and near yearly.
11. Port of Trogir
Port of Trogir is a UNESCO-listed site. It has unique facilities for smaller ferries and yachts. Also, the port takes a lot of pride in its unique Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance buildings.
12. Port of Hvar
Hvarport is the beginning point for visits or travels to close Pakleni Islands. This makes the port a tourist filled port with tourist ferries always seen on the island.
13. Port of Vis
The port of Vis is the main entrance into the Vis Island. The port focuses on tourism and fishing activities. This draws in tourists to its hidden vineyards, coves, and historical sites.
14. Port of Mali Losinj
Mali Losinj port promotes maritime tourism as it serves the Kvarner Gulf region. In this port, you will find terminals for ferries and yachts.
15. Port of Novalja
Port of Novalja supports ferry services to islands that are close by. This makes it loved by most tourists.
16. Port of Umag
This port provides berths for small vessels. It also supports the regions local fishing industry. It is the gateway for tourist exploring the wine regions nearby, Roman ruins, etc.
17. Port of Opatija
The Port of Opatija is known for its importance in luxury yachting and tourism. This port is the main reason why Opatija has become a loved tourist site.
18. Port of Supetar
Supetar port represents the major link for passenger ferries from Split. It gives access to the famous Zlatni Rat Beach on the island, its stone carving traditions, and breathtaking villages.
19. Port of Stari Grad
Port serves the region by combining tourism and local trade. So, this port is the gateway where countess visitors around the world enter the region as a UNESCO listed site.
20. Port of Rab
Rab is the main gateway to the Rab Island. It serves leisure boats and also tourists who visit to explore the island. Also, it is the host of the Rab Medieval Festival.
21. Port of Cres
Cres port although small, is an important port that supports trade and tourism on the Cres Island.
22. Port of Vela Luka
Port of Vela Luka is known for its cultural tourism and fishing industry. It is also a site for lovers of archeology, wellness, etc.
23. Port of Cavtat
Cavtatport is an elegant port that has visitors visiting from other regions and the world. It serves small cruise ships and yachts.
24. Port of Pag
This port serves the cheese export industry of the island and also its local transportation.
25. Port of BiogradnaMoru
The port is famous for its nautical tourism within the Zadar region. Also, it features boat and marinas rental services.
Conclusion
With the number of busiest and less busy ports in Croatia, there is always somewhere to go. No matter what your specific need for Croatian sea ports are, you can find that ideal port to meet your need.
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More resources:
Calculating Sea Freight Rates in FCL and LCL – Source: BANSAR
Calculate Freight Shipping Cost – Source: BANSAR
Sea Freight – Source: BANSAR
