Novi List Business Conference

Novi List’s premium business conference “Kvarner 2030 – Transformation and Investments” was held on December 8, 2025 in Opatija. The conference was dedicated to key projects and investments that accelerate the transformation of Rijeka and Kvarner region. The focus was on strategic investments that transform the region into a modern European logistics, transport and tourism hub.
The panel discussion was attended by Rijeka Gateway Board Member Tomislav Rosandić, Bina Istra Director Christian Santaleza, Port of Rijeka Authority Executive Director Denis Vukorepa, INA Refinery and Marketing Operations Director Goran Pleše, HŽ Passenger Transport Board President Željko Ukić, Enna Transport Operations Manager Leon Dolušić and HŽ Infrastructure Board Member Darko Barišić.
The focal point of this year’s conference was the Rijeka traffic route, a key logistics corridor for Croatia and Central Europe. The Rijeka basin is increasingly emerging as a transport and logistics hub of the Mediterranean, a major contribution to which was made by the start of operations of the Rijeka Gateway terminal, in which more than 600 million euros have been invested in infrastructure so far.
Speaking about the importance of port terminals for Rijeka transport connectivity, the Executive Director of the Port of Rijeka Authority Denis Vukorepa pointed out that without the container terminals on Brajdica and Zagreb Pier, there would be neither D 404 nor D 403, and Rijeka would still be connected to Zagreb via Banska vrata. He emphasized that after the connection of the D 403 road with Žabica and Riva, Rijeka will be able to boast one of the best transport solutions in this part of Europe. The Zagreb Pier, with a sea depth of 20 meters, ensures the accommodation of the largest container mother ships, as well as the Brajdica terminal, which significantly increases the competitiveness of the Port of Rijeka.
The Executive Director Denis Vukorepa highlighted the prepared plan for the further development of the Port of Rijeka until 2035 through the construction of a new container terminal in the industrial part of Krk, in Omišalj, and a new road-rail bridge, and with all the projects that are being prepared by 2035, he announced that Rijeka will enter the top 10 largest European container ports.