Rijeka Gateway: An investment of 380 million euros that will create more than 300 new jobs in Croatia

Rijeka Gateway will be the most modern, state-of-the-art, remote- controlled container terminal in this part of Europe.

The Ground-breaking Ceremony marks the beginning of the construction of the future Rijeka Gateway terminal. This is the largest investment in the history of the Port of Rijeka, which will create more than 300 jobs on the terminal itself.

The container terminal will start operating in 2025 and the total investment is 380 million euros. More than 200 million euros will be invested in the first phase over the next two years, and an additional 180 million euros are planned for the second phase within the next 10 years.

"The construction of the terminal will have a positive impact on the local economy. With increased economic activity and engagement of local partners, more than 300 new jobs are expected to be created within the terminal alone, whilst indirect employment in the region will be many times higher. In addition, Rijeka Gateway will be the first port on the Adriatic with remote-controlled, electrical container cranes, and with a quay depth of 20 meters, we are ready to welcome some of the world's largest container vessels", said CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of Rijeka Gateway Koen Benders.

Rijeka Gateway will be the most modern, state-of-the-art, remote-controlled container terminal in this part of Europe. With a 50-year concession period, the terminal will serve as a main entry point to hinterland countries and markets. It will also have a key role in the development of the local economy, as most project contracts are, and will continue to be, fulfilled by local and domestic companies. Therefore, this project is of strategic importance for Croatia.

"In the first phase, we will be able to process a total of 650,000 TEU annually, and we expect growth to over a million TEU per year in the next phase. And in the long run, we expect that those numbers will keep on growing. We estimate in 2026, the fiscal contribution to the state will be around 100 million euros, growing up to 200 million euros after 2030. Our commitment extends towards being a responsible corporation and we also consider sustainability by implementing state-of-the-art technologies to minimize our carbon footprint", said the CFO and Management Board Member of Rijeka Gateway, Tomislav Žunić.

Rijeka Gateway is a joint venture between the A.P. Moller – Maersk, through APM Terminals, and the ENNA Group, through ENNA Logic. Zvonimir Novak, Business Development Director of Energia Naturalis stated: "This is a historic opportunity to position Rijeka as a key gateway for the countries of Central and South-Eastern Europe. There is a lot of space for increasing cargo in all the ports of the northern Adriatic. It is up to us to make the best possible use of the advantages of this terminal, location, knowledge and experience that we have at our disposal. I am sure that the eyes of the world's shipping lines are directed towards Kvarner today, and they are directed that way for a reason."

One of the future customers is A.P. Moller – Maersk, the leading world shipping and logistics company. Aymeric Chandavoine, President Europe A.P. Moller – Maersk added: “I am privileged to reaffirm Maersk’s strong commitment to Croatia. We have been present in the Croatian market since 2004 and we continue to expand our footprint. Once completed, Rijeka Gateway will provide new opportunities by significantly reducing transit times to the Adriatic and Central European markets. Thanks to its rail connectivity with the hinterland it will open a new logistics chapter for Croatia and the region”.

Within Rijeka Gateway, there is strong belief that two-line railway towards Rijeka will be recognized by Croatian government as a project of crucial interest. This plan aims to improve Rijeka's connectivity with Central Europe, reduce traffic congestion, and further stimulate the economic growth of the region.

The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by the envoy of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, and State Secretary in the Ministry of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure, Josip Bilaver, Deputy President of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Marina Medarić, the Mayor of the City of Rijeka, Marko Filipović and the Executive Director of the Port of Rijeka Authority, Denis Vukorepa.

“Rijeka Gateway will contribute to the long-term positioning of the port of Rijeka as a transport hub and include Croatia on the transport and economic map of the world. This will make a contribution to the economic development of Rijeka and Croatia in general. All this is possible if there is a spirit of partnership between the Government, local and regional authorities. That makes this "Rijeka story" - a story of success", stated the envoy of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and State Secretary in the Ministry of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure, Josip Bilaver.

Rijeka Gateway is the 66th terminal in the portfolio of APM Terminals, and in collaboration with ENNA Logic, it creates a perfect fusion between international expertise and excellence, and, local know-how and knowledge.

Banner Image: Artist impression of the terminal Image in text: Tomislav Žunić_CFO and Managment Board Member of Rijeka Gateway (L) and Koen Benders_CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of Rijeka Gateway (R) during the ground breaking ceremony