Jadrolinija says ferry tenders are very probable by the end of 2026

Novi list published an interview on 29 October 2026 with Robert Blažinović, chairman of Jadrolinija’s management board. He said preparations for the fleet modernisation are far advanced, and that the company will publish the tenders by the end of this year. Asked to confirm tenders for four ferries and three electric ships, he said yes, very probably.

He said the areas for the electric ships were set with the port authorities from the readiness of the electricity supply, and that those areas are Šibenik, Zadar and Dubrovnik. On an electric ship for the Lošinj–Cres area, he said that at this moment it is not possible. On the propulsion of the four ferries, he said he could not give details because certain parameters still have to be defined.

On a replacement for Postira, he said the company expects a signed construction contract by the end of the year. The procedure was a competitive procedure with negotiation for construction and design. On 16 October 2026 Jadrolinija called on bidders to submit a final offer, after which it will decide.

He said Jadrolinija’s own share of the modernisation would be up to twenty percent. He described the financing as own funds, a recapitalisation, commercial loans and EU funds, and said he could not comment on the amount of the recapitalisation. He said the company has a mandate letter with the IFC, and that the ministry has active cooperation with the World Bank and the IFC.

Of 24 ferry lines established by a decision of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, he said Jadrolinija holds 23. About ten concessions expire next year. He said it would be desirable to have signed construction contracts by then, and that the company is working on it.