Removing bottlenecks in the Port of Rijeka

The Port of Rijeka, located in northern Croatia, plays a crucial role as a gateway to Central European markets. The port’s existing railway infrastructure was aging, severely damaged and unsafe, hindering the efficiency of daily port operations. In addition, the railway tracks were not compliant with TEN-T standards, impeding trains to operate across borders. With growing cargo volumes there was a longstanding bottleneck to be resolved. Now, thanks to over €28 million in EU funding from the CEF transport programme, the port’s infrastructure has been upgraded, boosting capacity and establishing a more efficient, sustainable and multimodal hub. 

In the Port’s Rijeka Basin, the bottleneck was eliminated through significant upgrades to the operational area for cargo transshipment and through the upgrade of railway infrastructure connecting the quays and piers. Basic port infrastructure was improved with new crane tracks and with reconstructed rail tracks, connecting Rijeka Basin to the Rijeka railway station. 

The modernisation of rail connections not only increased the port’s freight capacity, but also enhanced traffic management, interoperability, service quality and safety. These improvements have, in turn, bolstered the economic competitiveness of the region.

Moreover, the project strengthened links between the North Adriatic ports of Rijeka, Venice, Trieste and Koper. Situated along multiple European Transport Corridors (i.e. Baltic Sea-Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean and Western Balkans-Eastern Mediterranean), the Port of Rijeka now also enjoys better connectivity with Central Europe.

Background

Watch this video showing the completion of the works. More information is available in the project factsheet. 

Since 2015, the port of Rijeka has received over €100 million of funding from the CEF transport programme for the upgrade of its infrastructure. It has improved its port facilities, railway connections as well as facilitated the use of alternative fuels.  

Last updated: August 2025