First major shipment of Chinese cars arrives in Croatia at Port of Rijeka

Archive (Photo: Luka Rijeka)

Rijeka is positioning itself for a growing role in the European car trade after the first major shipment of vehicles from China arrived at the city’s port.

More than 2,000 cars were delivered by the AICC Huanghu, a 199.9-metre-long and 38-metre-wide ro-ro vessel, reported Novi list. The vehicles are primarily intended for markets in Croatia and neighbouring countries and will be transported onwards by road and rail.

The arrival marks an important development for Port of Rijeka, which is expanding its automotive logistics business. Marko Mišković, a member of the management board of Luka Rijeka, said the shipment was the result of cooperation with logistics companies Emil Frey Logistics and Lagermax.

He said the port expects another vessel carrying Chinese vehicles to arrive in the near future, adding that the new business could encourage other Chinese car manufacturers to consider Rijeka as an entry point into the European market.

However, available space within the port is currently limiting the potential for significantly higher volumes. The planned expansion of the Prague Quay (Praška obala) would provide additional space for vehicle imports and exports.

Rijeka has already substantially increased its automotive activity. Around 22,000 vehicles were handled through the port during the first six months of this year, with the total expected to reach approximately 60,000 cars and light commercial vehicles by the end of 2026.

The port’s existing automotive business includes vehicles from the Stellantis group, including Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, Fiat and Iveco, arriving from factories in Slovakia and Poland.

The latest Chinese shipment adds another dimension to Rijeka’s ambitions as a logistics gateway between Asia and the European market.