On the map of Europe, Croatia is world-renowned for its 1,777-kilometer Adriatic coastline. However, beyond its thriving tourism industry, this country, which joined the EU in 2013, is actively transforming its unique maritime resources into powerful logistics competitiveness. As the shortest sea route connecting the Mediterranean with Central Europe, Croatia is attempting to reshape the supply chain landscape of the Balkans and even the entirety of Central Europe through massive port investments and rail network integration.
At the heart of this logistics transformation is the country’s largest seaport—the Port of Rijeka—and the “Rijeka Gateway” deep-water terminal project, which recently sent shockwaves through the industry. This is not only the largest private infrastructure investment in Croatian history but also a crucial move by global shipping giants to reposition themselves within the European hinterland.
1. Rijeka Gateway: A €600 Million Automated Super-Terminal
For a long time, the Port of Rijeka lagged behind its neighbors, the Port of Koper in Slovenia and the Port of Trieste in Italy. However, the official opening of the Rijeka Gateway container terminal on October 29, 2025, has completely changed the situation.
The project is a joint venture between APM Terminals (a 51% stake), a subsidiary of Maersk, the world’s second-largest shipping company, and the Croatian logistics firm Enna Logic (a 49% stake). The first phase cost €210 million, and with subsequent expansions and government investments in supporting rail and road infrastructure, the total amount reaches €600 million. Rijeka Gateway is the most advanced automated terminal in the Adriatic, equipped with remote-controlled ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and rail-mounted gantry cranes covered by a 5G network. Furthermore, 95% of the equipment is electric-powered, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
More importantly, the terminal features exceptionally deep water, allowing it to directly accommodate ultra-large container ships (Megamax) with a capacity of up to 24,000 TEU. After the first phase of operation, it will add 650,000 TEU of throughput capacity to the Port of Rijeka annually, and will exceed 1 million TEU after full expansion in the future, giving it the strength to compete head-to-head with the Port of Koper.
2. The Adriatic Trio: The Battle for Central European Cargo Transit
The Northern Adriatic is the most convenient maritime gateway for Asian goods entering Central Europe (such as Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Southern Germany). Compared to detouring through Northern European ports (such as Rotterdam or Hamburg), it can save several days of sailing time.
Currently, the region is dominated by three major players. Italy’s Port of Trieste focuses primarily on crude oil transport, with an annual throughput of nearly 60 million tons. Slovenia’s Port of Koper is the leader in containers and Ro-Ro ships, with a container throughput exceeding 1 million TEU in 2024. In comparison, the Port of Rijeka’s total throughput in 2024 was approximately 11.85 million tons, with a container volume of about 500,000 TEU.
However, Maersk’s entry has provided a significant boost to the Port of Rijeka. Shipping companies typically prefer to direct cargo to terminals in which they hold an equity stake to optimize costs. Rijeka Gateway has been integrated into the “Gemini Cooperation” route network formed by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, meaning that a large volume of Asian cargo originally destined for competing ports will be redirected to Croatia.
3. Baltic-Adriatic Corridor: Opening the Inland Rail Arteries
Port throughput capacity is only the starting point of the logistics chain; the key to victory lies in how efficiently cargo can be transported to the inland hinterland. In the past, Croatia’s biggest logistics bottleneck was its relatively outdated rail infrastructure. To address this issue, the Croatian government is actively promoting rail modernization.
On May 27, 2026, Croatia and Hungary officially signed an agreement to fully join the regulatory framework of the “Baltic-Adriatic Rail Freight Corridor.” This 10,000-kilometer rail artery closely connects Baltic ports in Poland with the Adriatic Sea, covering eight EU countries: Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy.
Maersk has clearly stated that its strategic goal at Rijeka Gateway is to shift 60% of cargo to rail transport. Through the upgraded rail network, containers unloaded at Rijeka will be able to reach markets in Hungary, Serbia, Austria, and Poland quickly and with low carbon emissions, completely opening up Croatia’s inland logistics lifelines.
4. EU Membership: Advantages and Challenges Coexist
As a member state that joined the EU in 2013, Croatia enjoys the duty-free trade advantages of the EU Single Market, as well as financial support for infrastructure from EU Structural Funds. This is highly attractive to companies looking to establish logistics hubs in Europe.
However, Croatia’s logistics development has not been without its challenges. The Port of Rijeka’s current greatest weakness is that its rail infrastructure still lags behind its competitor, the Port of Koper. The direct rail line connecting Rijeka to the Hungarian border has yet to be completed, which to some extent limits the extension of the port’s hinterland. Additionally, ongoing tensions in the Red Sea continue to affect global shipping routes, bringing uncertainty to cargo flows in the Adriatic.
Nevertheless, Croatia’s long-term logistics potential cannot be ignored. With Rijeka Gateway becoming fully operational, the deepening integration of the Baltic-Adriatic Corridor, and the eventual completion of the Rijeka-Hungary rail line, Croatia is expected to truly establish its position as the most important freight gateway in the Adriatic in the coming years.
Conclusion
From the completion of Rijeka Gateway to the integration of the Baltic-Adriatic Corridor, Croatia is transforming itself into a logistics super-gateway between Central Europe and the Mediterranean at an impressive speed. For multinational corporations seeking shorter transit times and lower-carbon supply chains, the Port of Rijeka undoubtedly offers a highly attractive new option.
In the face of an increasingly complex logistics environment full of opportunities in Croatia and the Adriatic region, companies need a logistics partner with extensive experience. HLT Logistics, with its professional team, provides precise manual follow-up services ranging from maritime transit and port customs clearance to inland rail/road cross-border distribution, ensuring your goods are delivered efficiently and safely within the European hinterland. (Note: Partner insurance does not cover force majeure factors such as war or strikes.)
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