What a year it has been for the Dalmatian capital.
Split, this year’s champion of Croatia tourism, has a lot to be proud of this year. After breaking unbelievable records year after year, it’s no surprise that the Dalmatian capital welcomed 5 million passengers through the always-bustling ferry port in 2017, reports Dalmacija Danas on December 18, 2017.
On Monday, December 18, 2017, at precisely 13:15, the ferry ‘Marjan’ sailed to the Split port, marking 5 million passengers for the famous port in 2017.
A meeting committee composed of State Secretary Maja Markovčić Kostelac, President of the Management Board of Jadrolinija David Sopta, Director of the Port of Split Vice Mihanović, Split Deputy Mayor Nina Vela, and local journalists surprised the lucky fifth million passengers Vesna Kurtić from Supetar.
Vesna Kurtić revealed to journalists that she has lived on Brač for ten years and often travels using Jadrolinija – she has no major objections to their service.
“I would like to say only one thing, and that is I wish there were a faster line to Supetar, but apart from that I can say that I am pleased with Jadrolinija and the number of lines available, at least in the direction of Supetar – Split,” said Kurtić.
Just a bit later, the 12th million Jadrolinija passenger in 2017 arrived at the Split port – Alfred Dominis from Postira.
“I am going to school in Split, and I have used the ferry as the main means of transport for a long time. There has never been a problem with the ferry, nor is the connection interrupted, unless the bura or other conditions hinder travel. Jadrolinija, all in all, is doing their job properly,” said Dominis. When asked whether he’d like a direct line for Postira, he said that every town would want a direct line, but he knew that was not possible.
“We hope one day,” he added.
Passengers received flowers and gifts from Jadrolinija and the Split City Port, which was handed over by State Secretary Maja Markovčić Kostelac.
“These figures show that improving infrastructure in Split port, as well as strengthening the fleet of Jadrolinija, have yielded results. Here, today we have our 12th million passengers of Jadrolinija, and also the 5th million passengers at the Split City Port. Compared to these figures, about ten years ago, this port saw only 1.6 million passengers. Also, Jadrolinija has jumped from three to 12 million passengers over the last ten years. This is proof that we need to move forward with strengthening Jadrolinija’s fleet, which we will work together with the administration, but also that we should go ahead with the development of the infrastructure of the Split City Port,” said Markovčić Kostelac. He also noted that the Government was aware of the extension of the tourist season and, together with the Coastal Shipping Agency, worked to change the decision on the timetable.
“For some lines that have proved to be necessary, such as Brač and Hvar, the seasonal timetable will be extended,” Markovčić Kostelac added, saying that some lines would start with a new timetable before Easter.
CEO of Jadrolinija David Sopta commented on the situation of poor connections between the outer islands, such as Korčula and Lastovo.
“As new management, we are working intensively on all smart projects, and so on. We will continue with all of the projects that are open, and next year we expect to announce a tender for the construction of a ship for the outer islands. Korčula and Lastovo will be well connected, as it is now,” said Sopta, adding that Jadrolinija is moving to build new ships that will be able to pinpoint undeveloped ports like those on Lastovo and Korčula.
“We are working with port administrations to expand port capacity to accommodate new ships,” Sopta continued, revealing that a construction permit for a new port in Vela Luka has been initiated and the works are expected to begin soon.
Translated from Dalmacija Danas
