Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 14, The Rijeka Gateway, a joint venture between APM Terminals, part of Denmark’s A.P. Moller-Maersk, and Croatia’s Energia Naturalis (ENNA Group), has entered its final testing phase with the arrival of its first container vessel. This project, recognized as Croatia’s largest logistics initiative, welcomed the M/V Cape Fulmar, a 170-meter-long vessel with a capacity of 1,440 TEUs, which docked at the terminal after arriving from Port Said, Egypt.

The M/V Cape Fulmar will remain at the Rijeka Gateway for four weeks, serving as a platform to test operational processes under conditions closely resembling full operations. ENNA Group stated that during this period, all terminal equipment, including 1,700-ton ship-to-shore (STS) cranes manufactured by China’s ZPMC, will undergo thorough inspections to ensure readiness for the terminal’s opening.

Gregor Glušič, CEO of ENNA Logic and ENNA Transport, shared that the first commercial vessel is expected to arrive on September 12, 2025, carrying cargo from China. He noted: “The cargo is planned to be transported onward by train to neighbouring Hungary and Serbia.” This marks a significant step in establishing Rijeka as a key hub for goods destined for Central and Western Europe.

With a first-phase capacity of 650,000 TEUs and the ability to handle vessels up to 18,000 TEUs, the Rijeka Gateway is poised to become a vital entry point for regional trade. Construction began in September 2023, with an investment of approximately €200 million in the initial phase. The project is designed to be the most advanced and remotely operated container terminal in the region, enhancing efficiency and connectivity.

In October 2024, the terminal secured a renewable energy supply for its operations, a move expected to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions. ENNA Next, a subsidiary of ENNA Group, will provide green certificates to verify that the terminal’s energy comes entirely from renewable sources, such as solar and wind. This commitment to sustainability aligns with the project’s goal of modernizing logistics while minimizing environmental impact.

The Rijeka Gateway’s testing phase, supported by the M/V Cape Fulmar and advanced equipment, underscores its readiness to transform Croatia’s logistics landscape. By integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, the terminal aims to facilitate efficient cargo movement and strengthen trade links across Europe.