Croatia puts historic research vessel Palagruža up for sale – here’s what buyers need to know

Palagruza (Photo: Croatian Hydrographic Institute)

SPLIT, 2 August 2026 – Croatia’s Hydrographic Institute (HHI) has announced the public sale of its retired research vessel Palagruža, offering interested buyers the chance to acquire a ship that spent decades supporting hydrographic, geological and oceanographic research in the Adriatic.

The vessel will be sold through a public bidding process, with a starting price of €119,000 (excluding VAT).

Built in 1975 at the Sandnessjøen Slip & Mek. Verksted shipyard in Norway, Palagruža has sailed under the Croatian flag with its home port in Split. The steel-hulled vessel measures 45.52 metres in length, has a gross tonnage of 699, and is powered by a 1,140 kW B&W Alpha diesel engine, giving it a cruising speed of around 12 knots.

The ship has been out of service since April 2024, with its classification and statutory certificates having expired.

Despite no longer being operational, the vessel retains specialist equipment installed for scientific work. This includes hydrographic and oceanographic laboratories, an electro-hydraulic deck crane, an A-frame for handling research equipment, a heavy-duty winch and modern navigation and communication systems.

Accommodation on board includes 24 cabins, two lounges, laboratory space and sanitary facilities, making the ship suitable for a variety of potential future uses, subject to refurbishment and regulatory approvals.

The vessel is currently berthed at the Admiral flote Sveto Letica-Barba naval base (Lora) in Split, where prospective buyers may inspect it by prior appointment between until 18 August 2026.

The sale is being conducted on an “as seen” basis, with the successful buyer accepting the vessel in its current condition. Fuel remaining in the ship’s tanks is included in the purchase price.

The public tender is open to both individuals and companies. Interested bidders must pay a €10,000 deposit before submitting an offer.

Written bids must be received by the Croatian Hydrographic Institute no later than 21 August 2026 at 14:00, with the public opening of bids scheduled to take place immediately afterwards. The contract will be awarded to the highest valid bidder meeting all tender conditions.

More details here.