This year, the Interferry Conference, most famous conference of the world’s ferry industry, is taking place in Podstrana, near Split.
Jadrolinija’s CEO David Sopta announced at the Interferry Conference on Monday that Jadrolinija will renew a part of the fleet over the next four years and replace the oldest ships with modern and fast ships that will increase the capacity and quality of transport, reports Poslovni.hr on October 9, 2017.
The 42nd Interferry conference, the most famous conference of the world ferry industry, is held in Podstrana near Split from Monday, October 9 to Wednesday, October 11. The conference, hosted by Jadrolinija, and will gather more than 400 participants from all over the world. The opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Minister of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković, Defense and Interior Ministers Damir Krstičević and Davor Božinović, Split-Dalmatia county prefect Blaženko Boban and Split Mayor Andro Krstulović Opara.
Prime Minister Plenković said in his speech that Croatia is a Mediterranean country with a long maritime history and a large part of its revenue comes from tourism, which is why the ferry service is of great importance.
“The fact that we have more than a thousand islands says a lot about the importance of the ferry transport and Jadrolinija for our country. Particular attention should be paid to improving the connection between the islands [and the mainland] in order to improve the life of the Islanders, “said Plenković.
Jadrolinija’s CEO David Sopta announced that Jadrolinija will renew a part of the fleet over the next four years and replace the oldest ships with modern and fast ships that will increase the capacity and quality of transport.
Commenting on the journalist’s inquiry about the recent dissatisfaction of the Hvar people regarding the introduction of Jadrolinija’s winter schedule, in spite of the efforts to prolong the tourist season, Sopta said that he is in contact with the mayor of Hvar on a daily basis, but that the timetable arrangement is decided by the Coastal Shipping Agency. Sopta pointed out that Jadrolinija abides by the Agency’s decision, but if needed, and in agreement with the local community, the summer timetable will be extended for as many days as it is necessary. He expressed satisfaction with the fact that Jadrolinija, who marks the 70th anniversary this year, hosts Interferry Conference for the first time, which is a great thing for Croatia and Croatian economy as well.
Interferry’s President, former Managing Director of Jadrolinija, Alan Klanac, said that Interferry is the most important naval shipping organization. Some of the topics discussed at the conference are security, environmental impact, technology, commercial activities, customer service and digitalisation. Jadrolinija is the world’s top five by total passenger transport capacity, said Klanac, saying it is our legacy which we should preserve and further develop.
“The numbers have increased almost ten percent this year and I think that they will continue to grow. Few changes are going to happen very soon. I expect the fleet to be renewed, the capacity and cruising speed to increase, especially if fuel prices remain at these levels, “said Klanac.
Interferry is the most famous conference of the world’s ferry industry, gathering the owners and directors of the largest and most famous travel agents, equipment manufacturers, shipbuilders, financial institutions, world-renowned suppliers and designers.
Translated from Poslovni.hr
