Pag Island – Reconstruction and extension of Žigljen ferry port

The project of reconstruction and extension of Žigljen ferry port on the island of Pag will ensure adequate mooring and safety of ferry connections, even in bad weather conditions.

At a conference held in Novalja, where the project implemented by the County Port Authority Novalja was presented, it was pointed that the reconstruction of the port will significantly affect the quality of life of islanders and the island’s economy.

The extension of Žigljen port worth HRK 73.4 million

The conference was attended by Lika-Senj County Prefect Ernest Petry, County Assembly President Marijan Kustić, Novalja Mayor Ivan Dabo. The hosts also announced the arrival of Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković, who had previously apologized for other obligations.

The upgrade of the port of Žigljen is worth a total of HRK 73.4 million, of which a non-refundable HRK 62.4 million was provided from the European Union Cohesion Fund, while the rest was provided by the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure.

At the pier itself, which the participants visited before the start of the conference, the works are well advanced and should be fully completed by November 2023.

Embankment construction

The project includes the extension and reconstruction of the three shores of the port, ensuring the reception of vessels with a maximum length of 120 meters, as well as the docking of vessels in bad weather by building an embankment that will protect the shores from wind and waves and overnight stay in the ferry port.

The aim of the project is to achieve long-term demographic, environmental, energy and economic self-sustainability of the island of Pag through the improvement of transport services throughout the year and regardless of the pressure of tourism.

At the presentation of the project, the Mayor of Novalja emphasized the importance of the port of Žigljen for the inhabitants and economy of the island of Pag, but also the symbolic importance of this port for the whole of Croatia.

The port of Pag needs this port upgrade project because this is the gate of the island of Pag, said Dabo, emphasizing that during this year’s tourist season, in parallel with the works, record traffic of passengers and vehicles was achieved in Žigljen, at the 2019 level.

There is also a project to expand Primorska Street, crucial for traffic in the center of Novalja, and with Minister Oleg Butkovic they agreed on the construction of a new building of the Port Authority, which will house the County Port Authority, our Sport Fishing Association and other necessary facilities.

Island development

Lika-Senj County Prefect Ernest Petry said that the county actively participates in the implementation of all infrastructure and investment projects, both in its mainland and in the coastal part.

Investments are also being made in the mainland, where the mission is to revive the economy in order to ensure the survival of the population, but also the return of some young people to Lika-Senj County, said Petry.

Reconstruction of the port of Žigljen will primarily enable the docking of ferries throughout the year, in much worse weather conditions than is currently the case, as well as greater traffic flow through the port, said Igor Vidas, Acting Director of Port Authority of Novalja.

The implementation of the project will ensure adequate mooring and security of line connections, and an overall increase in the level of service.

It will also shorten the stay and waiting for vehicles to board the ferry, and thus reduce congestion at the port. All of the above will contribute to improving the conditions of the island’s connection with the mainland and the general survival and development of Novalja and the island of Pag, said Vidas.

Source: Otoci.eu