Today marks a significant milestone in the modernisation efforts of the Brčko Port in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which received a €3 million grant from the European Union, supplemented by a €7 million favourable loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to upgrade its infrastructure. The Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative Ambassador Johann Sattler, alongside the Director of the Port Perica Josić, ceremonially marked the start of operation of a newly installed crane, which symbolises a pivotal moment for the future operations of Brčko Port.
The modernisation addressed the urgent need to upgrade the port’s infrastructure, as much of its equipment was outdated, including cranes dating back over 50 years. The newly installed crane boasts a carrying capacity of up to 16 tons, tripling the capability of the previous crane. This enhancement is expected to significantly increase the port’s efficiency, facilitating the handling of goods at a rate of 150-200 tons per hour.
“Today we are witnessing a notable achievement in the ongoing modernisation efforts of the Brčko Port and I’m delighted the EU could contribute to it. Brčko’s advantageous position on the Sava is not currently used to its full potential. By supporting the modernisation of the Brčko Port, we are not only contributing to economic development and jobs, but also to strengthening the trade links and opportunities between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union as well as the wider region”, said Ambassador Sattler.
The construction works on the port are a flagship project of the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). The installation of the state-of-the-art crane is a notable achievement and comes on the heels of the successful completion of the port plateau in 2022. The final EU-funded component of the project is the reconstruction of the access road from the port to Bijeljinska cesta as well as the industrial railway from the Port to Brčko Novo railway station and is expected to be completed in 2024.
“Today we have the honour to mark the completion of work on this project. This is a historic day for the Brčko Port, because there has been no serious investment in the last 50 years. As part of this project, a new railway, a new access road was built, we got a new modern crane and we built a new port platform. This is important not only for Brčko District but also for the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina, because the Brčko Port is of strategic interest for the entire country. Investing in this structure will be the driver of new economic development“, stressed the Director Brčko Port Perica Josić.
The investment in the Brčko Port modernisation project underscores the EU’s commitment to fostering economic development and connectivity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, paving the way for enhanced trade and prosperity in the region.
“This is the biggest gift for us. The size of this grandiose crane is much smaller than the importance the EU has ascribed to Brčko District. We have heard of all benefits of this project, including as part of Green Agenda, decarbonisation process, traffic transformation. In the long term this project will bring many more benefits, especially economic, and functioning of this crane will mean prosperity not just for Brčko but wider”, stated Brčko District Mayor Zijad Nišić.
“This is a large project and one that will really make a difference for economy of Brčko and help in development of businesses as well as exports and imports into the country, and bring Bosnia and Herzegovina closer to the EU. The first barge should come here in April and I hope this will be a thriving port,” said Head of the EBRD in BiH Manuela Naessl.
The Brčko Port modernisation project is a key part of the European Commission’s Economic and Investment Plan to improve transportation in the Western Balkans. These projects aim to fix problems along the Danube River, making water travel smoother as part of the TEN-T network (Rhine-Danube Corridor). This corridor is like a main highway for ships, stretching from Strasbourg and Southern Germany to cities like Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest, and all the way to the Black Sea.
