Zagreb - Members of the Sabor's Committee on Maritime Affairs and unionists on Wednesday expressed support for the new management of Jadrolinija, whose president said that their primary goal is to enhance safety on ships while the competent minister announced the procurement of new vessels.
Today's thematic session of the parliamentary committee on maritime affairs, dedicated to the state of maritime transport, was held in response to the August 2024 tragedy aboard the Lastovo ferry, which resulted in the deaths of three crew members.
Participants included MPs, Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković, new Jadrolinija CEO Robert Blažinović, and representatives from agencies and trade unions.
The discussion centered on the state of maritime transport in Croatia, with a particular focus on improving the quality and safety of coastal ferry services. Committee chair Stipo Mlinarić emphasised the importance of all stakeholders taking responsibility for implementing necessary reforms and improvements.
Minister: New ships to be acquired
Minister Butković presented data on Jadrolinija's fleet and passenger traffic, along with plans to acquire new vessels. Commenting on the state-owned shipping company, he acknowledged that Jadrolinija had recently experienced certain issues, unrelated to the August 2024 tragedy.
He said the company is currently operating stably and is focused on preparing for the tourist season, conducting annual maintenance, modernising its operations, and acquiring new vessels using company funds, arrangements with the World Bank, and EU funding.
Blažinović: Our focus is on safety
The new Jadrolinija CEO emphasised that safety and increasing safety on board ships are the new management's top priorities.
He described Jadrolinija as a strong brand whose main mission is to support government social policies by making life easier for island residents. He added that new vessels will be built through cooperation with both international and domestic financial institutions.
Chief engineer: Past management also bears responsibility for August 2024 accident
Chief engineer Zvonimir Franić, who rescued a crew member during the Lastovo accident, said that the former management under David Sopta shifted blame solely to the crew. He believes the previous management is also responsible, due to numerous deficiencies in the Safety Management System, and criticised the ongoing investigation for targeting only the crew.
Union leaders urge accountability and better standards
Ivan Srzentić, head of Jadrolinija's independent seafarers' union, agreed that better safety protocols are needed.
Antun Aljinović from the Croatian Seafarers’ Union welcomed the plans for new ships but warned that purchasing used vessels must be handled carefully, citing the Ugljan ship as an example where initial repairs cost 75% of the purchase price.
Aljinović strongly criticised former CEO Sopta for focusing on his own public image rather than investment in the fleet. He pointed out Sopta's significant spending on representation and PR, noting that Lastovo crew members on sick leave earn below the national minimum wage.
MP Josip Borić (HDZ) welcomed the fact that the management and unions are now aligned, while committee vice-chair Ivana Marković (SDP) stressed the importance of raising safety standards and implementing all post-accident recommendations from the Maritime Accident Investigation Agency.
She concluded that the current shortage of adequate vessels is a consequence of the former management's actions, including the purchase of substandard used ships.