Kardeljevo, Croatia
Kardeljevo, now Ploče, is Croatia’s second-largest cargo seaport and a key gateway to the Adriatic.
Port Overview
Kardeljevo, Croatia, is a small coastal port located near the mouth of the Neretva River on the Adriatic Sea, at approximately 43°02′N 17°25′E. It is sometimes referred to as Luka Kardeljevo or as part of the Port of Ploče. The port is very small in size and does not rank among Croatia’s major ports. Its strategic importance is limited, mainly serving local or regional needs rather than international shipping. Annual TEU container capacity is minimal and not officially reported, reflecting its minor role in Croatia’s maritime infrastructure.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Kardeljevo (Port of Ploče) features several key terminals: a wood terminal, alumina and petroleum coke terminal, container terminal, bulk cement terminal, general cargo terminal, slag terminal, and a passenger terminal. Cargo facilities include storage for timber, alumina, petroleum coke, cement, and slag. The port is equipped with cranes for bulk and container handling, roll-on/roll-off ramps, and rail connections. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are not specifically mentioned among its equipment.
Container Terminals
Kardeljevo, Croatia’s container terminal—now known as the Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT)—features 3 berths with a quay length of 438 meters and a depth of up to 16.5 meters. The terminal’s annual capacity is approximately 600,000 TEU. Automation is moderate, with advanced IT systems and mechanization but not fully automated operations. The major operator is ICTSI, managing AGCT as the region’s key container gateway.
Port Services
Main services at Kardeljevo, Croatia:
- Container handling for intermodal cargo
- General and bulk cargo operations, including cement, ore, and timber
- Ship services such as pilotage, tug assistance, and maritime traffic control
- Warehousing with both open and closed storage facilities
- Customs clearance and related documentation services
Global Connectivity
Kardeljevo, now known as Ploče, is a key Croatian port on the Adriatic Sea, directly connected by rail and road to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and further to Central and Eastern Europe, including Hungary and Serbia. It serves as the maritime gateway for the Pan-European Corridor Vc, linking inland regions to global shipping routes. Regular feeder services connect Ploče to major Mediterranean container hubs, supporting efficient access to European and international markets.
Port Statistics
Kardeljevo, Croatia is not listed among the major Croatian container ports and does not report individual TEU throughput or world ranking. The port primarily handles bulk cargo and general goods, with limited container activity. Kardeljevo has several berths suitable for medium-sized vessels, covers a modest port area, and is served by regional shipping lines rather than major global carriers. It does not rank among Croatia’s top five ports by cargo volume or container throughput.
