Rijeka-Karlovac rail link to be fast-tracked as Gateway Terminal opening nears

The long-anticipated double-track railway line between Karlovac and Škrljevo will be developed under a “design and build” model, Croatia’s Minister of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure, Oleg Butković, has confirmed, Novi List reports.

The move is expected to significantly speed up the process by combining design and construction into one public procurement procedure.

“We face financial challenges, but this system allows us to avoid delays common in the traditional process,” said Butković during a visit to the Rijeka Gateway container terminal.

The project will partly be funded by the EU, though an estimated €2 billion in national funds will also be needed.

Butković indicated that a special law may be introduced to further streamline administrative steps, including land acquisition and necessary studies. Until the new railway is complete, all stakeholders—particularly HŽ Infrastruktura—will be required to maximise current efficiency to ensure smooth freight flow from Rijeka’s expanding port.

The Karlovac to Škrljevo rail link is a critical segment of the M202 railway line in Croatia, connecting Zagreb to the port city of Rijeka.

This section is part of the broader Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Mediterranean Corridor and Rail Freight Corridor 6, aimed at enhancing connectivity between Central Europe and the Adriatic Sea.

The M202 railway spans 229 km from Zagreb to Rijeka, with Karlovac and Škrljevo being key points along the route. Karlovac is a major inland city, while Škrljevo is a junction near Rijeka, connecting to branch lines like the M602 (Škrljevo–Bakar) and serving the port area.

Meanwhile, Rijeka Gateway’s container terminal is nearing completion.

Tomislav Rosandić, a board member of Rijeka Gateway, confirmed that all key infrastructure and equipment, including four massive quay cranes from China’s ZPMC, is now undergoing final testing.

“These are the largest cranes of their kind in the world, each 138 metres tall and weighing around 1,700 tonnes. The terminal is 82% CO2 neutral and among the most modern in Europe,” Rosandić said. Once fully operational in the second half of the year, the terminal will employ around 300 staff.

Rijeka Gateway artist impression (Photo: APM Terminals)

Renovation of the historic Warehouse 22 within the protected Metropolis port complex is also wrapping up. It will house Rijeka Gateway’s offices, remote crane control facilities, customs, and other services. Commercial director Maja Borčić highlighted the building’s seismic upgrades and sustainability features.

Port Authority Director Denis Vukorepa added that total investments exceed €600 million, largely EU-funded, making Rijeka a major logistical hub once again.

A tender for shore power infrastructure will also be launched soon, further enhancing environmental protection.