August 9, 2019 – A look at the anticipated changes at the Split Ferry Port next year.
Dalmatinski Portal reports that the breakwater at the Split ferry port and the mooring for cruisers will be occupied by international traffic lines next year, revealed the Split Port Authority on Thursday.
Specifically, the plan is to move international traffic to the breakwater, freeing up 13,000 square meters at Gat Svetog Duje to accommodate vehicles waiting to board, and at the same time, some domestic lines that land on the breakwater would be drawn closer to the city. While this all sounds great, where would this move the cruisers?
Port Authority Director Vice Mihanović answers.
“Depending on the need. International traffic lines take priority. If there is room for cruisers, then we will dock cruisers. If there isn’t, then we won’t. We will integrate the regular domestic services in the northern part of the port closer to the city. It’s all about making the port and domestic lines flow better,” says Mihanović.
A new international terminal building on the breakwater should be renovated for HRK 60 million. This is the area of the failed Jadran Ribolov, a company that ended in bankruptcy and liquidation. Mihanović says the building is under conservation protection, as well as other facilities in the port, and it will be reconstructed, while the building itself will remain in the same dimensions.
“One of the benefits is that the new terminal building will bring together all the services in one place. From the mooring, pilots, navigation control which is currently in Zenta, to the Harbor Master’s Office. They would significantly raise the level of security,” says Mihanović.
The Port Authority is seeking the assistance of the Ministry of the Sea in financing the project for the new terminal building. Mihanović says they have the full support of Split Mayor Andro Krustolović Opara, County prefect Blaženko Boban, and Minister Oleg Butkovic. The management is in the process of obtaining a building permit for the new terminal. It is estimated that this could be resolved by the end of the year, and then a contract for the contractor should be announced. Construction could take two years.
The University of Split is doing two studies, of which the Port Authority expects guidelines to arrange the port further. One relates to cruisers and the other to the concession of the remaining port facilities, breakwater storage facilities, Dalmacijavino building, and parking lots. The Dalmacijavino building is under the special protection of conservationists and must remain in its present form, which is a particular problem. The value of the works on the landscaping of this part of the port is estimated at HRK 60 million, and for it to be executed, it would be necessary to change the general urban plan.
“When we receive our studies, we will discuss with the City of Split the best direction to develop the port as an integral part of the city,” Mihanović concludes.
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