The Dubrovnik Port Authority Manager, Vlaho Đurković and the Board President of "Konstruktor – inženjering" from Split, Željko Žderić, have signed today in Dubrovnik an agreement regarding the reconstruction and building of a new wharf in the Gruž port.
Branko Bačić, the State Secretary for Sea, emphasized that from the realization of this project, Dubrovnik and the whole County were profiting. This year’s most successful tourist season was justifying such an investment in the Dubrovnik Port.
Vlaho Đurković pointed out that the company "Konstruktor – inženjering", had received this HRK 182 million worth construction job by participating at an international tender – competing against eight foreign companies. This was proof enough that Croatian companies were able to stand up to foreign competition.
After the first phase of construction activities which will go on for 18 months, amongst other things, the wharf will be extended for another 1000 meters with a total enlargement of 14.000 square maters. This will allow for three cruising ships to simultaneously enter the port.
He reminded that, in February, an agreement for this project was signed with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, guaranteed for by the Republic of Croatia. After that the Civil Engineering Institute of Croatia was assigned with the task of producing the project documentation.
He denied the statements according to which the passengers from the cruisers were bad spenders, not creating any profit for the city of Dubrovnik. He presented the results of an analysis conducted by the Port Authority according to which this year, Dubrovnik’ profit from cruisers amounted up to $ 12 to 18 million.
The signing of the agreement was attended by Captain Mario Babić, Assistant Minister for Maritime Traffic, Maritime Domain and Ports as well as President of the Management Board of the Dubrovnik Port Authority. Also present was Ivo Miletić, Prefect of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County and Dubravka Šuica, Mayor of Dubrovnik. (Hina)