As I said in my previous post, the reason for this is high cost of running this ferry, as  it needs 62 crew members to sail while in winter month, there are only  in average 7 passengers that are using this ferry.

The author of the article emphasises this information is still unofficial, as official decision about future of this ferry line will be made at the end of February, when authorities will hold meeting with all interested parties.

So, for time beeing, if you intend to travel around Croatia out of June to October period, try not to base your travel plans around  Rijeka-Split-Hvar-Korcula-Dubrovnik-Bari ferry.

Join the conversation here : http://www.find-croatia.com/forum/index.php/topic,2186.0.html

According to Agency, there are no confirmed plans yet for future of this ferry line.  However, the Agency’s spokesman  suggested that the small number of passengers during off season (sometimes less than 10)  as well as high cost of running these ferries will play important role in decision about future of this ferry line.

Croatian State Agency for Coastal Lines and Maritime Traffic

For all further info about future of this ferry line as well as about all other Croatian ferries , subscribe to our ferry news feed

Updates – Join the conversation :

http://www.find-croatia.com/forum/index.php/topic,2186.0.html

The planned new ferry route will run from Patras and will sail via Igoumenitsa , Corfu and Dubrovnik to Venice.

If this ferry line is introduced, it will be the first ferry link from Dubrovnik to Greece since October 1990 .

As Minoan Lines already serves a regular ferry line which runs between Patras, Igoumenitsa, Corfu and Venice, with ferry whith capacity of  few houndered vehicles and more than 1000 passengers, and is sailing  just 15 miles from Dubrovnik, it is expected that introduction of Dubrovnik as stop over will only extend sailing times slightly.

As Dubrovnik is located on ideal position on this route and if introduced, the new ferry will offer great additional options of travel around Italy, Adriatic, Croatia and Greece . Read more about Dubrovnik ferries and other ferries that sails around Croatia.
View Ferry Dubrovnik to Greece in a larger map

Croatian Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure

Almost 2.9 million Kuna of building grants will be given to the owners of 10 companies, where four of them are companies from Krilo Jesenice, two from Suhi Potok and one company from Babino Polje on Mljet, one from Biograd, one from Solin and one from Virovitica.

Around HRK 340 000 will be paid to a company from Povlje and a tourist firm from Privlaka for the reconstruction of the boats.

The tourist fleet development and renewal support project began five years ago and during this period, the state has participated with almost 12 million Kuna for the construction of 33 boats and the renewal and reconstruction of 16 boats. The goal of the project is the improvement of sea safety, the protection of the Adriatic environment and the development of tourism and small-scale entrepreneurship on the coast and the islands.

The Croatian Tourist Fleet has 405 registered ships, owned by 336 private ship owners – small entrepreneurs, which
can carry around 5000 passengers.

Ferry owner Jadrolinija head Slavko Loncar said today the ship would not be scrapped and he expects this ferry to be back to serve Rijeka-Split-Hvar-Korcula-Mljet-Dubrovnik-Bari route by the begining of next summer season. More photos of refloated ferry here and here .

Jadrolinija has introduced a new vessel to serve popular Mljet (Sobra) to Prapratno ferry line.

From now on, instead of old ” Vanga” ferry , the new and more sofisticated ferry ” Lubenice” will sail between Mljet island and Prapratno on Peljesac Peninsula. It is expected this ferry will be able to cross the channel even in the worst winter storms.

According to a report from this morning’s Rijecki Novi List newspapers, there is a serious possibility that ferry Marko Polo, which is still stranded in Kornati Archipelago, will head for breaker’s yard.

Due to high costs of  re-floating of the ferry and relativly low insurance sum that is eventually expected, the future of this ferry will be known on Monday, when decision by Jadrolinija Ferry Company, the owner of the ferry, is expected to follow.

Read the whole article (in Croatian) here

More good photos of Marko Polo ferry at Jutanji.hr page

Ferry ‘Marko Polo’, which over the weekend, crashes into Croatian island of Sit  is still stranded, despite the efforts of rescue team.

The Jadrolinija’s ferry Marco Polo was on its regular route Rijeka – Split – Dubrovnik – Bari (Italy) when it ran aground on the island Sit (small island located between Island Žut and Island Pašman) in vicinity of Sibenik and Zadar. The incident happened last Saturday at 2.50 am.

View Sit Island, Croatia in a larger map

None of the 41 passengers and 64 crew members were hurt in the incident, the ship was in good technical condition and there has been speculation the accident was down to human error.

The above photo shows ferry Marko Polo stranded on the island, as appeared on the page of yesterday’s eddition of Vecernji List (vecernji.hr).

Photos of stranded ferry at vecernji page

This ferry line was suspended last year due to essential construction works on harbour, which were recently successfuly completed.

Check Timetable for Ferry Rab (Lopar) – Krk (Valbiska) + have a look at the ferry leaflet

The first ferry will sail between Vabiska on the Island of Krk and Merag on the Island of Cres, transporting up to 170 vehicles.

The second ferry will operate between Split and Supetar on the Island of Brac, transporting up to 196 vehicles, while the third ferry having a capacity of 170 vehicles will sail from Split to Vela Luka on the Island of Korcula proceeding to the Island of Lastovo.

The other ferries that have transported passengers and vehicles between these points will be reassigned, so the Cres ferry will now sail between Brestova and Porozina on the Island of Cres, and the Supetar ferry will operate between Prizna and Žigljen on the Island of Pag.

The introduction of three new vessels in ferry traffic will enable decommissioning of four old ferries: Božava, Nehaj, Lovrijenac and Borik. This will significantly increase the safety of sailing, as well as the quality of ferry transport along Croatian Coast.

In 2007 Jadrolinija transported 9.32 million passengers and 2.41 million vehicles, which is 4 and 6 % increase in comparison with 2006.

The increase has already been approved by the Croatian Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure.

Residents of Croatian Islands will continue to have benefit of free transport for students and pensioners as well as the transport of personal and company vehicles which will be subject to vignettes.

 Jadrolinija, the Croatian ferry company has published the summer timetable for local ferries around Croatian coast.

The summer timetable is pretty similar as last year’s one, with only minor changes.

Please note, Jadrolinija is not the only ferry company in Croatia that runs local ferries – to find out other Croatia ferry links check our Ferries in Croatia page.

All freshly published timetables are at Jadrolinija’s page www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?dpid=1632

The new ferry line, which will be a seasonal one, already got approval from Croatian authorities and is now in process of obtaining accreditation of concession.

In the summer months, roads in area around Pula are getting very buzy with daily traffic jams and lack of parking places, so it is expected the new ferry line will improve traffic conditions around Pula as well as in the whole Istria. Check Istria Map for location of Pula, Fazana (Brijuni) and Rovinj.

For all future updates on this and other Croatia ferry lines, stay tune here at Croatia Ferry News

Although there are also other ferry companies that run ferries from Italy to Croatia, only Jadrolinija services the coastal ferry route that sails from Rijeka via Split, Hvar, Korcula, Mljet to Dubrovnik.

More about ferries to Croatia.

The vessel ‘Nosač’, ferry with capacity of 300 vehicles and 70 passengers will sail every day, four times a day – twice from Lopar and twice from Valbiska.

Ferry line Lopar – Valbiska current timetable is:

• Ferry from Lopar to Valbiska: sails Monday to Sunday – departs 06.00 and at 13.15
• Ferry from Valbiska to Lopar: sails Monday to Sunday – departs 07.45 and at 15.15

Ferry line Lopar – Valbiska is passenger and car ferry info and timetable

Venezia Lines is no longer operating from Opatija to Venice and is no longer operating departures from Rimini/Ravenna. Instead, thier 3rd vessel is redirected to operate new ferry line between Bari (Italy) and Albania (Durres).

Venezia Lines are from now concentrating on their main ports – Porec, Rovinj and Pula.

They will also operate ferry lines from Venice to Piran, Rabac and Mali Losinj.

Rimini and Ravenna ferry lines are no longer in use.

Venecia Lines will operate more then 185 trips in 2007, with 2 high speed catamarans – San Pawl and San Frangisk.

Ferries from Venice (Italy) to Croatia booking

The new ferry timetable for ferry line Dubrovnik to Sudurad (Island Sipan) has been published.

From 1st of June 2007, ferry from Dubrovnik to Sipan (Sudurad) will sail twice a day: at 10.30am and 7 pm (10.30am and 8.30 pm Sundays and Public Holidays).

Ferry from Sipan Sudurad to Dubrovnik will sail twice a day at 9 am and 5pm ( 9am & 7pm on Sundays and Public Holidays)

Ferry departing from Sudurad (Sipan) at 7pm will also make stop over at Lopud Island.  Check map of Elafiti Islands

They just announced their proposal submittion to Croatian Government for introduction of new ferry line Pula-Mali Lošinj-Zadar and possible connections to islands Ilovik and Unija which will be substitute for ex-ferry line Zadar-Silba-Mali Lošinj-Unije-Pula-(Koper ili Venezia) that was run by ferry ” Marina” of Losinjska Plovidba.

For time beeing, this new ferry line will be seasonal, with two to five sailings a week, depending of season, with connections to Unije three times a week and Ilovik twice a week.

It is proposed ferry line Pula (Unije)-Mali Lošinj-(Ilovik)- Zadar will be operated by ferry which speed is at least 26 knots with minimum capacity of 260 passengers.

Morning ferry departure is expected from Pula and afternoon’s return from Zadar. It is possible this new ferry line will continue its sailings to Italian ports… Read more about Ferries in Croatia …

Ferry Pula – Unije – Mali Lošinj – Ilovik – Zadar Update:

Fast Catamaran ferry line from Pula to Zadar, via Unije Island, Mali Losinj and Ilovik Island is introduced in mid summer of 2007. This is foot passengers only ferry that can take up to 322 passengers. It sails in summers only. All currently available info and latest timetable is here :  http://www.find-croatia.com/ferries-croatia/pula-zadar-ferry.php

If you plan to travel from Italy to Croatia, ferry can be option too.

Here are some ferry info written by Tragetti Croazia, an Italian ferry company:

Traghetti Croazia offers great value for those who plan to visit Croatia by cruise-liners from Italy.

Are you planning to visit Italy this summer? Add Croatia to your itinerary.

After many years of conflict throughout the former Yugoslavia, the area is now enjoying a period of peace and stability and has become a very popular tourist destination indeed. In the last ten years Croatia is emerging as one of Europe’s fastest-growing tourist destinations, and it is not surprising really, if we consider what Croatia has to offer to travellers.

There you will find the Mediterranean as it once was, framed in a total coastline of over 6000 km of mild climate nature, beautiful mountains with forests, lakes, rivers and waterfalls, friendly and simple people, inexpensive and convenient

Croatia boasts some of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in Europe: the Croatian coast is an absolute wonder to behold! The country has a long and colourful history, and this is most evident in the various architectural styles on show in its towns, cities and islands. Some of the country’s most beautiful buildings, many of them former churches, have since been renovated into hotels and guesthouses, offering visitors a wonderful opportunity to get a real taste of Croatia.

TRAVELLING TO CROATIA : There are plenty of ferry services operating in and out of the various ports. Many of these simply run domestic services up and down the coast and across to the beautiful islands dotted around the Adriatic, but a growing number of routes are being established that link Croatia with other countries, with Italy being the best served with a number of good services running daily. Getting to Croatia from Italy by Ferry, there are a few things you should take into consideration, like the frequency of the Ferry services, booking rules, and places where buy tickets…
It is advisable to book your ticket in advance. This can be done at the various ticket offices located in travel agencies, but what we strongly recommend is to get in touch with a professional agency, to get all you need in one simple stop. That’s what Traghetti Croazia (www.traghetti-croazia.it), can do for you! General information’s, timetables, tickets, travel assistance and much more, to help you booking with ease your ferry tickets from Ancona, Venezia end Pescara ports. Traghetti Croazia Agency is now open 24/24 and this will speed up and simplify the whole process for you…

THE RESERVATIONS – With Traghetti Croazia it is possible to reserve your marine passages through Internet 24X7. You will be able to contact our office reservations to number 0565/912111 or through email to traghetti@prenotazioni24.it. The telephone reservations are advised for departures to short and in case of urgency.

PAYMENTS  – With Ferries Croatia you will be able to choose to pay the following tickets in ways:
- credit card on linens (Encryption protocol SSL 128 bit);
- credit card for telephone (the necessary information will be collected from you from a our operator through telephone);
- bulletin mails them (with immediate shipment of the receipt via fax to number 0565 915898 or through email to traghetti@prenotazioni24.it); for the possessory ones of C/C it mails them will be possible to carry out a postagiro directly;
- banking discount (the accountant rilasciata from the bank, CRO supply will have quickly to be transmitted to our office through fax to number 0565 915898 or through email traghetti@prenotazioni24.it : simple orders of discount will not be accepted, neither written neither telemati to us).

THE DELIVERY OF TICKETS – Traghetti Croazia undertakes the delivery of the tickets and the same will be send to all address indicated by you through courier, mail registered letter, via fax or email to you. http://www.traghetti-croazia.it

According to the Ministry of the Sea,Transport, Tourism and Development of Croatia, Jadrolinija, the Croatian state ferry company got 8 routes in it’s concession, while other routes are spread among four, small and privatley owned ferry providers. Ferry concession is accredited for 6 years except for some ferries that got 5 years concession only, due to the age of the vessel.

The list of ships / catamarans/ hydofoils that will serve specific Croatian Islands routes:

• Route No 9308: Mali Lošinj – Cres – Rijeka : Jadrolinija’s catamaran “Judita”
• Route No 9309: Novalja – Rab – Rijeka : Jadrolinija’s catamaran “Novalja”
• Route No 9401: Olib – Premuda – Silba – Zadar : Miatrade’s catamaran “Princ Zadra”
• Route No 9403: Ist – Molat – Zadar:  Jadrolinija’s catamaran “Silba”
• Route No 9404: Zverinac – Božava – Sestrunj – Rivanj – Zadar and Route 9404 a) Zadar – Iž – Rava: G & V line’s ship “Paula”
• Route No 9406: Zadar – Zaglav – Sali : Jadrolinija’s catamaran “Mediteran” (5 years concession)
• Route No 9601: Split – Rogac – (Milna) Brac : Split Tours’s ship “Komiza” (5 years concession)
• Route No 9602: Vis – (Hvar – Milna) – Split: Jadrolinija’s catamaran “Dubravka”
• Route No 9603: Jelsa – Bol – Split and Route No 9603 a): Split – Milna – Hvar: Jadrolinija’s catamaran “Karolina”
• Route No 9604 Lastovo – Vela Luka – (Hvar) – Split: Jadrolinija’s catamaran “Adriana”
• Route No 9608 Korcula – (Prigradica) – Hvar – Split: UTO Kapetan Luka’s catamaran “Krilo Jet”
• Route No 9807 Dubrovnik – Sobra – (Polace – Korcula – Lastovo): G & V Line’s ship Nona Ana
• Route No 405: Rava – Iž – Zadar and Route 405 a: Sali – Zaglav – Zadar : Jadrolinija’s ship Lara (5 years concession)

The 2006 ferry statistic shows the total of more than 11 million passengers and 2.8 million vehicles on variety of ferry lines along coast of Croatia , which is about 4.6 and 3.2 % more that in 2005.

Among all ferry sailings, the most popular sailing in 2006, served by state ferry carriers, was on ferry line Ubli (Lastovo) – VelaLuka – Hvar – Split, which was used by 224 thousand passengers.

The largest growth of ferry traffic was achieved at ferry line Korčula – Hvar – Split with growth of 28.2%, followed by Split-Vis ferry line (18.6%) and Rijeka – Rab – Novalja and Premuda – Silba – Olib – Zadar lines (17 %) in comparison with pervious (2005) year.

The most popular Croatian ferry link in 2006 was Split - Supetar (Island of Brac) with total of 1.43 million passengers.

The accident happened due to bad weather and low visibility because of strong rain and winds. Luckily, thanks to the low tides, the hydrofoil did not sunk. None of the passengers, nor crew were injured in the accident. Bellow Map: Zadar- Sali- Zaglav route, sailed by Hydrofoil ‘Krila Zadra’. Mali Zdrelac channel link

The new vessel, with capacity of 1200 passengers and 140 vehicles, will be introduced on ferry route Zadar- Preko (Island of Ugljan) by the beginning of next summer.

The estimated total cost of new ferry is about 8.5 million Kuna.

This latest news is a further step in the Government’s aspirations to improve current ferry links between the Croatian mainland and its islands. Have a look at the timetable for ferry Zadar – Preko ( Ugljan) route

Zadar – Ugljan / Preko location on Google Maps: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&z=12&ll=44.070074,15.207481&spn=0.169218,0.31929&t=k&om=1