PAG ISLAND – The renovations of the Zigljen ferry pier are completed

The Žigljen ferry pier on the island of Pag was reconstructed and extended as part of an EU project worth 9.74 million euros. The pier officially opened on Monday in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Butković who emphasized that it was one of the first investments financed by the EU.

The project included works on the extension and reconstruction of shores 1, 2 and 3. The docking of vessels in bad weather conditions was made possible by the construction of embankments that will protect the shores from wind and waves. Also, the need for maneuvering to the berth was reduced and the duration of the boarding maneuver was shortened.

Furthermore, the conditions for the overnight stay of vessels in the ferry dock on shore 3 have been met and adequate mooring has been ensured. This also affects the safety of the Prizna-Žigljen ferry line.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure pointed out that this is an important infrastructure project which, along with the port of Tkon in Zadar County, was one of the first investments to receive European financing. He also emphasized that with the help of European and national funds, today invests about 300 million euros in port infrastructure projects.

Tomislav Kustić, director of the Port Authority of Novalja, revealed what this project means for the residents and the economy of that part of Croatia.

This is a big day for the city of Novalja, the island of Pag, but in my opinion also for the entire Republic of Croatia, because this is one of the busiest ferry ports in the Republic of Croatia, where over a million passengers and 400,000 vehicles pass annually. With this project, the ferry pier was completely renovated so that three banks and three new ramps were renovated, the value of the investment is HRK 73 million. We hope that this investment will increase tourism capacities, encourage the demographic renewal of the population and it will benefit our wider community, the county.

Tomislav Kustić

Another good news is that there will be fewer line disruptions due to large waves.

Ferries can now spend the night here even in high winds, and hurricanes, the mooring is better now and I hope that soon there will be a pier on the opposite side that will be able to accommodate two to three ferries and then we will have an even bigger dimension and traffic connection.

Tomislav Kustić

This renovated port can now accommodate up to three ferries of up to 120 meters in length. Accordingly, there should be no more summer crowds.

As a result, they are all hoping for record numbers of tourist arrivals and passings through the pier this tourist season.

Source: Magazin.hrt.hr