Croatian Port Days 2026
From March 25 to 28, 2026, the second edition of the national conference “Croatian Port Days 2026” is being held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Zadar. The event brings together experts from the maritime sector, investors, representatives of port authorities, government officials, and the academic community. The host of the event is the Port of Zadar Authority.
As part of the conference, a panel discussion dedicated to the strategic development of Croatian ports was held, featuring the executive directors of five port authorities: Denis Vukorepa (Rijeka), Vice Mihanović (Split), Paško Dželalija (Šibenik), Dr. Tomislav Batur (Ploče), and the host Željko Knežević (Zadar). The discussion focused on the modernization of passenger and cargo terminals, expansion of infrastructure capacities, optimization of cargo traffic, integration of ports into international transport corridors, and cooperation with local communities and the tourism sector.
The conference provided an overview of key topics related to the strategic development of Croatian ports. Participants discussed the integration of Croatian ports into international cruise routes, terminal management, optimization of ship arrivals, sustainability, and collaboration with cities and the tourism sector. Special focus was placed on OPAS systems and their implementation, interoperability, digitalization, and optimization of operational processes in ports, as well as cybersecurity, including the protection of IT systems, digital platforms, and compliance with EU regulations.
Nina Perko, Director General of the Directorate of Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, spoke about the future of Croatian ports within the European transport and logistics system, emphasizing that Croatian ports have already secured an important position on the European map. She highlighted that cargo ports such as Rijeka and Ploče, through the management of port authorities and investments from European Union funds, have experienced significant development and are now capable of accommodating vessels of all sizes, with Rijeka in particular emerging as an important container hub.
During the panel, Denis Vukorepa, Executive Director of the Port of Rijeka Authority, presented strategic projects and investments in port infrastructure that will support the Croatian economy in the long term and strengthen the competitiveness of the Port of Rijeka in the northern Adriatic over the next ten years. In his presentation, he covered key aspects of port development, modernization of port infrastructure and container terminals, green transition and sustainability, digitalization and the development of smart ports, as well as the use of investments and EU funds.
