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Croatia has inaugurated a new terminal at the Port of Rijeka, marking the country's largest private investment in its maritime logistics sector. Built by APM Terminals and ENNA Group with an investment of over EUR 380 million (about USD 443 million), the project's total value rises to EUR 600 million after adding nearby road and rail infrastructure. The terminal, equipped with advanced automation, renewable energy systems, and a private 5G industrial network, began operations in September and is planned to expand from 650,000 TEUs to over one million TEUs in capacity.
Croatia has inaugurated a new terminal at the Port of Rijeka, a development seen as a milestone in the nation's efforts to modernize its maritime logistics infrastructure. The terminal represents the country's largest private investment in the sector to date and is expected to play a central role in transforming Rijeka into a key logistics hub for Central and Eastern Europe. Advertisement
Developed jointly by APM Terminals and ENNA Group, the project involved an investment exceeding EUR 380 million (approximately USD 443 million). Including the related spending on nearby roads and rail connectivity within the Rijeka port area, the total investment reaches nearly EUR 600 million. The companies aim to position the port as a modern gateway linking Europe to Asia and other global markets.
The terminal, located in the northern Adriatic, began initial operations in September. It currently features 400 metres of quay and a handling capacity of 650,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). Expansion work is already planned to extend the quay to 680 metres, which will increase total capacity to more than one million TEUs. The facility will primarily handle container cargo for Central Europe and parts of the Western Balkans.
From a technological standpoint, the Rijeka terminal stands out as one of the most advanced in the region. It includes remotely operated quay cranes, automated container-handling systems, and integrated renewable energy solutions aimed at reducing operational emissions. The port is also equipped with Croatia's first private 5G industrial network, enabling faster data transmission and efficient monitoring of logistics operations.
Speaking at the inauguration, Bostjan Napast, CEO of ENNA Group, noted that Rijeka's strategic location closer to the Far East and well-connected to the heart of Europe gives it an advantage in becoming a preferred gateway for regional trade. He added that the development aims to restore Rijeka's historical importance among northern Adriatic ports and reestablish its role on global shipping routes.
The terminal's opening comes at a time when Croatia has been prioritizing port modernization to strengthen its position in European logistics chains. In recent years, the government has worked with international partners to improve maritime and rail connectivity as part of broader efforts to enhance trade efficiency. The collaboration with APM Terminals and ENNA Group represents a step forward in integrating the port into major European transport corridors.
Once fully operational, the facility is expected to employ around 300 people and handle growing cargo volumes across Europe and Asia. It will also support improved intermodal connectivity, as the nearby rail network allows goods to move seamlessly between Rijeka and major industrial regions such as Hungary, Austria, and southern Germany.
Industry observers see this development as a sign of Croatia's growing confidence in attracting large-scale private investment to modern infrastructure. The use of smart technologies and sustainable systems aligns with wider European goals to reduce emissions in transport and promote efficient logistics solutions.
Source Reuters
5th Jun, 2025
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