Rijeka, Croatia — A new chapter in European maritime logistics has begun with the official inauguration of Rijeka Gateway, a state-of-the-art container terminal jointly developed by APM Terminals and ENNA Group. The event, attended by over 300 guests including Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, marks the opening of the most advanced container terminal in the Adriatic region—solidifying Croatia’s position on Europe’s strategic logistics map.
After two years of intensive construction, the terminal commenced commercial operations in September 2025, symbolizing the largest private logistics infrastructure investment in Croatia’s history. The €600 million project combines modern technology, automation, and sustainability to create a facility capable of redefining trade flows between Asia and Central Europe.
A Strategic Maritime Gateway
“Rijeka has a strategic advantage as the first point of entry to Central and South-Eastern Europe,” said Keith Svendsen, CEO of APM Terminals, during the opening ceremony. “But beyond serving shipping lines, we serve communities and the country that entrusts us with a part of their critical infrastructure. Our goal is long-term positive impact—on growth, jobs, and the local economy.”
The new terminal is part of the Gemini Cooperation network between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd on the AE12/SE1 Asia–Europe route, placing Rijeka directly on one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors. This positions Croatia as a crucial link between the Far East and the European hinterland.
Driving Regional Competitiveness
ENNA Group’s CEO Boštjan Napast emphasized the terminal’s transformative potential:
“Our goal is to strengthen the ports of the northern Adriatic and enhance their competitiveness compared to other European ports, particularly those in the North Sea. Geographically, we are closer to the Far East and to the heart of Europe—it is time to restore Rijeka’s place on the global logistics map.”
Napast further highlighted the need for continued infrastructure development, particularly the lowland railway, to fully unlock the terminal’s potential and ensure seamless inland connectivity.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Sustainable Design
In its initial phase, Rijeka Gateway features 400 meters of quay and a handling capacity of 650,000 TEU annually. Upon completion of its second phase, the terminal will extend to 680 meters with capacity exceeding one million TEU.
The facility employs four remotely operated ship-to-shore cranes, 15 rubber-tired gantry cranes, two rail-mounted gantry cranes, and 28 terminal tractors—all managed from a centralized remote operations center powered by Croatia’s first private industrial 5G network. The integration of automation and renewable energy sources makes it the first terminal of its kind in the Adriatic region, ensuring operational efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced safety standards.
A Regional Economic Catalyst
Peter Corfitsen, Managing Director of Rijeka Gateway, credited strong collaboration between shareholders, local authorities, and the Croatian government for the terminal’s timely completion.
“We have built and equipped the terminal on schedule, employed over 280 staff, and started operations. The eighth commercial vessel is already arriving, and our focus now is achieving the highest level of operational excellence,” he said.
Once fully operational, the terminal is expected to employ over 300 people and stimulate growth across Croatia’s logistics, transport, and manufacturing sectors, reinforcing Rijeka’s resurgence as a competitive maritime hub.
A New Adriatic Powerhouse
The inauguration of Rijeka Gateway is more than the launch of a terminal—it’s the rise of a new maritime and logistics powerhouse at the heart of Europe’s Adriatic corridor. By combining cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and strategic positioning, Rijeka Gateway is set to reshape regional trade dynamics, reduce dependency on northern ports, and offer global shipping lines a faster, greener, and more efficient route into the European market.
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