July the 15th, 2023 – A new Croatian maritime property law, which also encompasses the use of sea ports, is set to change things. Here’s what will be different.
As Marija Crnjak/Poslovni Dnevnik writes, on Friday in the second reading, the long-awaited new Croatian Maritime Property Law (and that regarding sea ports) was received. In the new law, the biggest change regards the procedure for granting concessions, more specifically that upon request for the commercial use of maritime property, a concession can be granted for a maximum period of five years.
No more hotel beaches
Another aspect of the new Croatian Maritime Property law regards the very definition of beaches. Sea (coastal) beaches are now divided into public, natural and organised and those for special purposes. Perhaps most significant of all, there are no more hotel beaches under the new law. Sea beaches must be accessible to everyone, and entrance fees must not be charged under any circumstances.
Permits, not concession approvals
The new Croatian Maritime Property law also abolishes concession approvals and has introduced permits which will be issued by the municipal or city council on the basis of a public tender. An institution for the management of the maritime property has been established, and expert advice for planning and construction on maritime property will be provided. The greater concept of preventing environmental damage and taking responsibility for any such damage has also been introduced.
One uniform port tariff
A uniform port tariff is also being introduced, as well as maritime wardens who will work to properly supervise the implementation of the new law. Harbour wardens will also work to supervise the implementation of this new order in sea ports open to public traffic.
It has also been clearly defined that the supervision of maritime property in protected areas of nature will be carried out by the guardians of said protected areas of nature. Without discussion, the Parliament confirmed all six amendments submitted by the Croatian Government to the proposed law, which will now become an integral part of the Croatian Maritime Property law.
