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Letter of thanks from the Police Department of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Rab

On the occasion of Police Day and the feast of St. Michael, the Primorje-Gorski Kotar Police Department presented awards to employees and certificates of appreciation to citizens and external collaborators. Among the recipients of the certificates of appreciation was the director of the Rab County Port Authority Nenad Debelić , who was awarded a certificate of appreciation for his contribution, support and cooperation in police work and preserving the safety of citizens and property.

It is important for the Rab Municipal Police to be an active part of the community, cooperate with its institutions and participate in activities, especially those that contribute to the safety of citizens.

We thank you for the recognition, and we congratulate all police officers on the feast of St. Michael and Police Day!

New mandate: Nenad Debelić on the development of Rab ŽLU and Rab ports

The reappointment of the current director of the Rab County Port Authority, Nenad Debelić, for a new four-year term brings continuity, but also new expectations. Behind the new director, the years have been marked by significant investments and projects that have changed the face of Rab's ports, while ahead of him is a period in which these advances will be further consolidated and built upon. In the interview, he reveals which projects marked the past term, where he sees the greatest opportunities for development, and what vision for Rab the years ahead bring.

How would you evaluate your past four-year term as head of the Rab County Port Authority?

– Like the first term, this one was also full of challenges and marked by large infrastructure projects. I think we have reason to be satisfied and I am glad that our founders, who have once again placed their trust in me, are also satisfied with the results achieved. Each completed project has given us new valuable experience and knowledge that will help us in planning and implementing future projects to improve port infrastructure and raise the level of our services.

What projects and achievements do you consider the most important during that period?

– In the past four years, we have implemented a large number of projects – from large ones, which include the construction of new infrastructure, to smaller projects to maintain existing infrastructure. Although these smaller interventions are often less visible, they are just as important for the local population as the construction of new ports. Of particular note is the project of reconstruction and expansion of the port of Rab, implemented with the help of European funds from the Operational Programme Competitiveness and Cohesion. The project began in 2015 with the obtaining of a location permit, and the implementation included two of the planned five phases (including the reconstruction of the Pumpurela pier). The challenge of the project was that the works were taking place in the very center of the city, and the duration of the works was planned for 18 months, which meant that some of the works would also be carried out during the summer months. That is why I would like to especially emphasize the understanding of our citizens, entrepreneurs, craftsmen, renters, caterers and shipowners – all those who lived with dust and noise on a daily basis. Their contribution was crucial for the successful implementation of the project. The Town of Rab also played a major role, whose understanding and support enabled the completion of the works within the planned deadlines. The result of the project is not only a new breakwater and a reconstructed coast, but also increased resilience to climate change, especially in terms of preventing flooding of the city center. This project represents a continuation of the investment cycle in the Port of Rab, and by implementing the next phases, we will further improve safety conditions and create new values ​​for the island. In addition to the Port of Rab, it is important to highlight the project of reconstruction and expansion of the Port of Melak in the Municipality of Lopar. The project began in 2018 with the construction of a 140-meter-long breakwater, and continued in 2022 with the reconstruction of the old pier and the construction of a coastal wall and a new pier. In this way, we have secured around 100 new berths for the resident population and transit, as well as an operational coast for receiving larger vessels. We have also begun the rehabilitation of the main breakwater in the Port of San Marino, which is part of the ongoing investment in that port.

In addition to capital projects, we have continuously invested in the maintenance of existing infrastructure - the rehabilitation of piers, quays and coastal walls. However, we cannot be completely satisfied in this segment because the available funds are limited, so the work is often carried out to a lesser extent than desired. If we look at the financial aspect, in the past eight years we have achieved significant growth in our own revenues, but also even greater investments in infrastructure thanks to European funds and the support of the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure and the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. Total investments have exceeded our original revenues many times over, which confirms our success in securing additional financial resources, as well as their responsible and efficient use. Original revenues increased from EUR 830.000 in 2018 to EUR 1.550.000 in 2025, which represents significant growth. At the same time, we have secured more than 18,5 million euros from other sources, of which 7,1 million from European Union funds, 8,8 million from the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, and 2,6 million euros from our founder, the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. Finally, I would like to especially highlight the employees of the Rab Local Government Area Office, both in the field and in the office, whose work and dedication form the basis of all the achieved results.

To what extent have the implemented projects influenced the quality of life and economic development?

– Life on the island is entirely connected to the sea. We manage 23 port areas that cover a significant area of ​​sea and land, with around 1.300 berths and two ferry ports – Mišnjak and Lopar, which, along with the port of Rab, represent the most important traffic points on the island. That is why we have placed emphasis on these three ports in the past period, because they enable direct connections between the island and the mainland and other islands via ferry and high-speed boat lines. By upgrading the port of Mišnjak, we have enabled better ferry traffic, which has significantly accelerated arrivals and departures from the island. In the port of Lopar, by arranging the plateau and building a pier, better connectivity has been ensured in all weather conditions, which is confirmed by the continuous growth of traffic on the Lopar – Valbiska line. In the port of Rab, we have increased the capacity of the operational quay, which has enabled the reception of a larger number of vessels. All of this together results in an increase in the total capacity of arrivals to the island, which directly affects economic growth. At the same time, we also invested in communal ports, increasing the number of moorings for the local population and thus raising their standard, because life on the island without a boat is unimaginable.

Rab has received significant funding for the development of port infrastructure – what do these projects specifically bring to the island's residents and the economy?

- The most significant funds refer to the project of continuing the reconstruction and extension of the port of Rab in the value of 14,5 million euros, financed from European funds. The project is being carried out in cooperation between ŽLU Rab and the City of Rab and includes the reconstruction of about 400 meters of the coast, the construction of three new communal jetties, as well as the improvement of almost 800 meters of road and the horticultural improvement of the coastal area. We expect the work to begin in the fall of 2026, and to be completed by the end of 2027. It is a large and complex project that will close the fourth phase of the reconstruction of the port of Rab. In addition to infrastructure improvements, the project will significantly improve the appearance of the port itself and the historic core of the city. In addition, in 2026 we secured an additional 1,25 million euros from the state budget for a number of smaller, but extremely important projects. These funds will enable continued investment in municipal infrastructure in the port of Mišnjak, including the modernization of plumbing and electrical installations to meet the supply needs of ferries and other vessels. Funds have also been secured to complete the rehabilitation of the main breakwater in the port of San Marino, as well as to begin a new phase of development of the port of Melak, which includes the construction of a secondary breakwater. Also, part of the funds are directed to the continuation of maintenance works in the ports of Lopar and Kamporska Draga.

What projects are currently in focus and at what stage of implementation are they?

- The largest individual project, and one of the largest since the establishment of ŽLU Rab, is certainly the continuation of the works in the port of Rab, which we expect to begin in the fall of this year. It is a complex project, both because of its location in the city center, as well as because of the organization of the construction site and the fact that it is financed from European funds, which further emphasizes its importance. In addition, in the past mandate we placed special emphasis on the creation of project documentation for the development of other ports, which remains one of the key focuses in this mandate as well. We have already started creating preliminary projects for the ports of Padova II, Palit, Kamporska Draga, Supetarska Draga, Keki and Janići, and we plan to continue with projects for the ports of Grci, Barbat, Banjol, Sv. Eufemia and Gornja Supetarska Draga, which is a new port area. In the coming years, our goal is to have prepared project documentation for almost all port areas. Of course, after the conceptual projects, additional studies, elaborations and procedures for obtaining permits follow, but this is a standard procedure that we systematically carry out. The ultimate goal is to create a quality basis for submitting projects to European, national and regional funds and to ensure continuous investment in port development.

How important is continued investment in ports for the development of tourism and transport connectivity of the island?

– Continuous investment in ports is of utmost importance, not only for transport connectivity and tourism development, but above all for providing berths for the local population. The primary role of the Rab Port Authority is to maintain the existing and build new infrastructure in ports open to public traffic. This includes providing an operational shore for liner traffic, utility berths, and berths for the needs of fishermen and the economy. On the other hand, the specificity of the island of Rab is also the strong presence of nautical tourism. During the summer months, we record a large number of sailors, which creates an additional need for transit berths. Therefore, we plan our projects in a way that primarily meets the needs of the local population, but at the same time ensures a sufficient number of berths for tourists, thereby contributing to the overall tourist offer of the island, which is largely dependent on tourism.

What are the key priorities in the new four-year mandate?

– The main priorities in the new mandate are the preparation of project documentation and obtaining construction permits for new port construction and reconstruction projects. Our goal in the coming period is to create all the prerequisites for the start of work in individual ports of local importance, depending on the dynamics of obtaining permits and securing financial resources, given that such projects are extremely financially demanding. In addition, we are also placing emphasis on improving the quality of services in segments where this is possible, which directly affects the financial operations of the Rab Port Authority and enables greater investment of our own funds in further development.

 How do you see the development of the port infrastructure on Rab in the next few years?

– Given the large number of ports we manage, development cannot be observed individually, but only through a comprehensive approach at the level of the entire island. That is why we have set the development of a Master Plan for the development of ports under the management of the Rab Port Authority as one of the key priorities for 2026. This is a strategic document that will include an analysis of spatial planning documentation, the situation on the ground, the needs of the population, transport connections, environmental aspects and potential economic activities. The Master Plan will unify all existing and planned projects and offer a long-term sustainable model for the development of port infrastructure. We also place special emphasis on the quality of space – not only through the construction of berths, but also through the creation of new public areas that can become the centers of social life of individual places. Of course, cooperation with the City of Rab and the Municipality of Lopar is also key, without which quality planning and implementation of projects is not possible.

Are you planning to introduce new technologies or sustainable solutions in port management?

– Today, there are a number of technological solutions that can improve port management. We have introduced certain innovations in some of our ports, such as “smart” connection cabinets in the ports of Rab and Melak, which allow users to use water and electricity independently via QR codes and digital applications, with full control of consumption. We have also launched, in cooperation with the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, a pilot project for monitoring the use of berths, which includes a video system and Bluetooth technology for monitoring the presence of vessels. In addition, we are equipping all ports with video surveillance, and we are also developing fire and pollution detection systems to further increase safety and environmental protection. We are also monitoring the development of alternative fuels in maritime transport and are considering the possibility of introducing infrastructure for supplying vessels with electricity, but also potentially with hydrogen or other sustainable energy sources.

What is your long-term vision for the development of ports on the island of Rab?

– The island of Rab has significant potential for the development of nautical tourism and better positioning on the international map, but this development must be carefully planned and aligned with the realistic possibilities of the space. The development of port infrastructure requires the cooperation of all stakeholders and a broader picture – from the impact on the environment to the connection with other facilities such as beaches and public areas. Personally, I believe that the existing development concept, which implies several smaller ports and harbors, is better in the long run than the concentration of traffic in a few large ports. Such an approach allows for more even development, less pressure on the transport infrastructure and better adaptation to the natural characteristics of the coast.

Rab County Port Authority receives EUR 1,25 million to continue major investments

Contracts for the allocation of grants intended for the construction, expansion and reconstruction of facilities in ports open to public traffic of county and local importance were signed today at the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Croatia, thus continuing investment in maritime infrastructure along the Croatian coast.

Out of a total of 11.7 million euros, the Rab County Port Authority has been awarded a total of 1,25 million euros for four projects. This is the continuation of the largest investment cycle in maritime infrastructure in the history of the island of Rab, with the aim of modernizing and improving key ports. The largest single amount, 500 thousand euros, is intended for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the main breakwater in the port of San Marino (Phase II), a project important for the safety and functionality of maritime traffic in that part of the island. In addition, 200 thousand euros have been provided for the reconstruction and expansion of the port of Mišnjak, the port of Melak (part B) and the port of Lopar, while an additional 150 thousand euros are planned for works in the port of Kamporska Draga.
These investments are part of a broader coastal infrastructure development strategy that aims to ensure better connectivity of the islands, increase port safety, and improve conditions for the local population and economy. The signing of the contract confirms the state's continued support for the development of the maritime domain and the balanced development of all parts of the county, especially the islands.

The project "Reconstruction and rehabilitation of the coast in the port of Rab" in the final for the best EU project 2025.

The project " Reconstruction and rehabilitation of the coast in the port of Rab ", implemented by the Rab County Port Authority, is one of four projects from the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County that made it to the finals for a prestigious award from the field of EU funds, in the category " Contribution to the local and regional community ".

The competition is organized by Jutarnji list in cooperation with the Croatian Association of Counties, the European Parliament Office in Croatia and the Župan.hr portal, under the auspices of the Ministry of Regional Development and European Union Funds.

In the coming weeks, readers will have the opportunity to learn about all the finalist projects, and then vote for the project they consider the best.