An initiative from the Port of Koper and the Slovenian Ship and Freight Agents Association has seen Slovenia’s Ministry of Infrastructure adopt a temporary reduction in port dues until the end of September.
An announcement was made by the minister Jernej Vrtovec during his visit to the Port of Koper on 17 April with a view to helping traders during the Covid-19 pandemic. The minister had arrived in Koper to view the start of port infrastructure projects.
“The port of Koper is our window to the world. It is important not only for Slovenia, but also for other hinterland countries. That is why I have today signed a temporary reduction of port dues”, said the Minister. He concluded that port dues will be halved for all cargo vessels until the end of September 2020.
The minister was given a tour of the works already started and made aware of plans for the future extension of the port’s capabilities.
In a €45.6 (US$50.4) million expansion of storage spaces at Koper Port the facility has also almost completed the building of its ro-ro berth in the third basin. On the day of the minister’s visit the port authorities also appointed a contractor for the 100m extension of its quay.
Dimitrij Zadel, president of the management board at the Port of Koper, explained, “This is the most important investment at the Port of Koper, which will respond to the demands of container shipowners. With this investment, we intend to preserve the primacy as the largest container terminal in the Adriatic.”
Representatives of the port and the ministry believe that for the further development of the port it is necessary to build a second railway track between Koper and the hinterland, since as much as 60% of the cargo handled at the port travels by rail. The project is expected to be completed in 2025.
Nick Savvides
Managing Editor
