Project summary
The project involved the upgrade of the existing ferry port of county importance in Tkon (Island of Pašman), resulting in improved year-round transport services and a positive impact on employment, educational opportunities, and the delivery of other services to island communities. Project activities included the construction of a boarding area, a ferry dock with vehicle embarkation/disembarkation capacity, a culvert below the waterline to circulate water between the inner and outer basin, as well as an embarkation waiting area and parking surfaces.
The newly constructed Ro-Ro platform comprises three traffic lanes for vehicles waiting to embark, a dedicated lane for emergency vehicles (fire trucks, police, ambulances), and a single disembarkation lane. A bus stop was built in a suitable location next to the ferry ramps. The completion of the project activities has increased the capacity, quality, and safety of regular transport on the state ferry line Tkon – Biograd.
The main objective of this project was to improve the organization of maritime transport services throughout the year, ensure the availability of daily activities for the island population, and reduce waiting times and congestion during peak hours—ultimately contributing to a reduced load on existing port facilities. Transport connectivity of the island was recognized as a prerequisite for its economic and social development.
The Zadar County Port Authority, acting as both owner and infrastructure manager, oversaw the upgrade of the existing port of county importance in Tkon (Island of Pašman). This upgrade had a positive impact on the availability of employment, education, and other essential services for island communities.
The implemented technical solution ensured full compliance with all safety and protection criteria, including the appropriate number, type, and quality of berths; adequate sea depth; sufficient area and quality of anchorages; maneuvering space; passenger and cargo capacity; and facilities for handling waste and cargo residues from vessels. These criteria fully conformed to the regulations governing safe navigation and the ordinance defining the use of port areas open to public traffic of county and local importance.
Project results
The objective of the project was to upgrade the existing port of county importance in the town of Tkon, resulting in improved year-round transport services and providing the island’s population with a key foundation for economic and social development.
The upgrade of the port of county importance in Tkon improved year-round transport services, regardless of seasonal tourism pressures. This enhancement positively impacted the availability of employment, education, and other essential services for island communities, strengthened the integration of Croatian islands into the wider transport network, and helped overcome key obstacles to local economic growth.
Through the project, social benefits were achieved that contributed to reducing depopulation and emigration, stimulating economic development and the job market, and improving the financial position and living standards of the local population. Additionally, the project had a positive impact on the environment of the island of Pašman.
