Sunday, September 15, 2024 Jadrolinija , Croatia’s largest passenger shipping company, is celebrating a landmark year in 2024 , having transported over 10 million passengers and 3 million vehicles before mid-year—surpassing previous records and reflecting a traffic volume equivalent to two and a half times Croatia’s population. This surge in numbers highlights the increasing demand for Jadrolinija’s services, particularly during the peak travel season. Annually, the company’s fleet, which now comprises 59 ships , facilitates around 12 million passenger journeys and over 3.
5 million vehicle transports . With over 600 daily sailings during the tourist season, Jadrolinija ranks among the top ten global ferry operators specializing in coastal and maritime transport. In response to rising demand and to stay competitive, Jadrolinija is modernizing its fleet.
Two new fast ferries, Cvijeta and Ružica , will be added this year, enhancing the passenger experience and maintaining the fleet’s high standards. 2024 is also a milestone year for Jadrolinija as it marks the company’s 77th anniversary . Notable events include the launch of the largest ship in its history, the Dalmacija .
This €18 million vessel , which began its maiden voyage from Dubrovnik to Bari on June 3 , can carry 1,800 passengers and 350 vehicles , and cruises at an average speed of 17 knots . Originally built in Norway in 1993 , the Dalmacija underwent significant reconstruction in Finland in 2014 . In honor of the late Croatian music icon Oliver Dragojević , Jadrolinija has renamed one of its newly acquired ships from “ Vela Luka ” to “ Oliver .
” The vessel now operates between Split and Vela Luka on the island of Korčula , Dragojević’s hometown and a place closely tied to his legacy. However, the year has not been without tragedy. In August, a tragic accident occurred on the island of Lošinj when the entry ramp of the ferry Lastovo fell, resulting in the deaths of three sailors working on the vessel.
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