New Kvarner fast ferry route launches as Baška port upgrade completed

(Photo: Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure)

24 June 2026 – A new seasonal fast ferry service connecting coastal towns and islands across the northern Adriatic has officially begun operating, while the final phase of a major port reconstruction project in Baška on the island of Krk has also been completed, the Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure said today in a statement.

Croatia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, Oleg Butković, attended the launch of the new “Kvarner Bridge” seasonal fast ferry line in Crikvenica on Wednesday.

Operated by Jadrolinija, the route is served by the catamaran Silba and links Kraljevica, Crikvenica, Senj, Baška, Lopar, Rab and Lun on the island of Pag. The service is intended to improve travel options for residents and visitors during the busy summer period.

Butković said the new route restores a form of regional sea connection remembered by older generations, adding that it should help ease road congestion while improving access between destinations along the coast and islands.

The route also connects the Primorje-Gorski Kotar and Lika-Senj counties, strengthening transport links across the Kvarner area and the northern Adriatic.

Following the event in Crikvenica, Butković travelled by catamaran to Baška, where he attended the official completion ceremony for the fourth and final phase of the reconstruction of Baška Port.

(Photo: Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure)

The multi-year project has expanded the port’s capacity, upgraded infrastructure and improved protection within the harbour area. It is designed to provide safer and higher-quality conditions for vessels, local users and visitors.

The total value of the reconstruction is around €7 million. The completed project has created 173 new municipal berths, addressing a shortage of secure berthing spaces that exists in many coastal and island communities.

Butković said the Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure had been involved in all four phases of the development, with the project financed through European and national funds.

He noted that investments in port infrastructure projects along the Croatian coast now exceed €500 million, with the aim of improving harbour protection and strengthening island connectivity.

Alfred Franković, director of the Krk County Port Authority, described the project as a generational investment for Baška.

The first phase included a 50-metre extension of the main breakwater and a 105-metre extension of the secondary breakwater. Later works included the construction of a three-armed mooring structure, while the final phase delivered a T-shaped pier and an extension of the existing waterfront.

(Photo: Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure)

Franković said the upgraded port would provide safer conditions for boats and users, while supporting Baška’s role as a destination for residents and visitors.

Further plans include the construction of a boat servicing area, allowing owners to maintain vessels locally throughout the year.

The ceremony was also attended by Baška Mayor Toni Juranić, State Secretary Žarko Tušek, Navigation Safety Directorate head Captain Siniša Orlić and Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Deputy Prefect Robert Matić.