Project description
The project involved the construction of a new maritime passenger terminal at the site in front of the former ‘Jadranka’ canning factory. The port was relocated from the centre of Vela Luka to the new terminal site, successfully increasing the capacity of coastal liner traffic and reducing congestion in the port area.
Three public transport berths were built at the location of the new maritime passenger terminal, along with accompanying parking space for port users. The berths now service the local ferry line Vela Luka – Ubli, the local ferry line Split – Vela Luka, and the high-speed line Ubli (Lastovo) – Vela Luka – Hvar – Split. The total length of the newly constructed shoreline is 426.80 m, with berth depths of 5, 8, and 10 metres respectively.
Another part of the project involved the establishment of a waterfront operational area of approximately 17,070 m², including drop-off and pick-up lanes and parking spaces for port users. This area was created by constructing an embankment in the port basin and subsequently filling the space, resulting in a total operational surface area of 18,670 m².
The ferry port and all associated structures have been connected to water supply, sewer, telecommunications, and power networks. Prefabricated ticket booths/kiosks and prefabricated toilets, provided by the Port Authority, are now in place to support the regular functioning of passenger traffic.
Project results
The project aimed to increase the capacity of coastal liner traffic by relocating the ferry port from the centre of Vela Luka to the new maritime passenger terminal. This relocation has been completed, enabling improved access to employment, education, and other services throughout the year for local residents.
The implementation of the project to construct the maritime passenger terminal in Vela Luka has enabled:
- Reliable ferry traffic in severe weather, since the length of shoreline, ramp width and draft at the new terminal are adapted for larger and faster ferries, that are able to operate effectively in various weather
- Reduction of travel time between Vela Luka and Split considering the mooring of larger, faster ferries (19,5 knots) will be possible
- Introduction of more frequent lines for destinations Split and Ubli
- Use of more suitable street network outside of the populated zone of Vela Luka for access to the terminal
- Accommodating a greater number of vehicles expected in the future
- Staged construction of berths leading to a greater number of ferry berths in comparison with the existing ferry port
- Safe performance of vessel turn manoeuvres in all weather conditions, due to reduced exposure to crosswind
- Docking of newer, more environmentally friendly ferries.
