Jadranska vrata d.d. / Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT) recently handled the container marking its 4 millionth TEU since April 2011, when the company became part of the ICTSI (International Container Terminal Services, Inc.) Group.
This significant milestone is the result of 15 years of continuous development and investment in the Brajdica container terminal in Rijeka. In April 2011, ICTSI became the majority shareholder of Jadranska vrata d.d., and since then AGCT has undergone a major transformation, resulting in increased capacity, efficiency, and competitiveness of the Port of Rijeka in the Central and Southeast European markets.
This anniversary is particularly noteworthy given that just five years ago, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of ICTSI's entry into Rijeka, the terminal marked the handling of its 2 millionth TEU. Reaching 4 million TEUs today demonstrates the accelerated growth of container traffic and Rijeka’s increasingly important role as one of the key logistics hubs in the Adriatic region.
"Reaching 4 million TEUs on the 15th anniversary since ICTSI became a majority shareholder of AGCT is a very special milestone which we as a company are extremely proud of. This is not just a number but a testament to the continous dedication of our employees, the trust of our customers, and the strong partnerships we have built with all key stakeholders across the entire Port of Rijeka community." said Iñigo Nuñez Mendibe, Chief Executive Officer of AGCT.
Continuous investment remains one of the key drivers of the terminal’s development. At the end of last year, AGCT completed a new investment cycle worth EUR 35 million, which included the acquisition of two new Super Post-Panamax ship-to-shore cranes and two new hybrid RTG cranes for container handling operations in the yard. The new ship-to-shore cranes, delivered in November, further increase the terminal’s capacity to accommodate the largest container vessels calling at the Adriatic, while the hybrid RTG cranes, delivered in December, are equipped with systems that enable significant fuel savings and reduced emissions.
In addition to the new equipment, AGCT is gradually electrifying its terminal machinery by replacing diesel-powered terminal tractors with electric vehicles. Furthermore, the terminal’s existing RTG cranes have been modernized and converted to hybrid operation, delivering additional energy and environmental benefits while supporting AGCT’s long-term sustainability objectives.
"Today, AGCT serves as an important gateway to both Central and Southeast Europe markets. With these major investments, we reaffirm our long-term commitment to further increasing our capacity and enhancing our operational efficiency, with the objective of strengthening the competitiveness of the Rijeka transport corridor." added Nuñez Mendibe.
Over the past 15 years, AGCT has made a significant contribution to the development of the Croatian economy by facilitating the efficient movement of goods through the Port of Rijeka and strengthening Croatia’s connectivity with European markets. Today, the terminal serves as a vital link between maritime and rail transport, with intermodal traffic continuing to play an increasingly important role in its overall cargo volumes.
"I would like to also take this opportunity to thank our owners, employees, customers, business partners, the Rijeka Port Authority, the City of Rijeka, and the Government of the Republic of Croatia for their continuous support and cooperation over the past 15 years. This achievement is the result of the collective efforts of everyone who has contributed to make AGCT what it is today." concluded Iñigo Nuñez Mendibe.