VIDEO: Inside the ferry in honour of Oliver Dragojević

by croatiaweek
May 24, 2024
in News

An initiative by the Croatian Musicians Union to name the new Jadrolinija boat after music legend Oliver Dragojević has been accepted. The new Jadrolinija ship will sail between Split and Vela luka on the island of Korčula, two places of meaning to the late great. Oliver Dragojević, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 70, was born in Vela Luka on the island of Korčula but spent a lot of his life living in Split. The newly acquired ship of Jadrolinija, previously named "Vela Luka," which joined the white fleet towards the end of 2023, has a new name - “Oliver," Jadrolinija said in a statement today. The ferry "Oliver" will operate the state ferry line Split - Vela Luka - Ubli and in its daily voyages, it will touch the birthplace of Oliver Dragojević. This poet and musician touched the whole of Croatia with his music, especially those who live by and from the sea. He was laid to rest in 2018, accompanied by a Jadrolinija catamaran, and this is a tribute befitting his legacy. “The ferry "Oliver" will join the route in due season, and we believe that apart from its maritime capabilities, which will enhance the quality of service on the route, it will fill passengers every day with pride and memories of Oliver,” Jadrolinija said.

(Photo credit:Jadrolinija)

Jadrolinija’s latest addition to its fleet, the ferry “Oliver,” embarked on its maiden voyage this week, marking a heartfelt tribute to one of Croatia’s most beloved musicians, the late Oliver Dragojević.

This new ferry will sail between Split and Vela Luka on the island of Korčula, places deeply connected to Dragojević’s life and legacy.

While the ferry itself is not brand new, its enhanced capacity to accommodate more passengers and vehicles is a notable improvement.

The ship gained fame not just for its capabilities but for its name. Initially intended to be named “Vela Luka” after its destination, the decision to name it “Oliver” has imbued the ferry with a special significance for Croatians.

Oliver Dragojević, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 70, was born in Vela Luka but spent much of his life in Split. His music resonated deeply with people across Croatia, particularly those living by and from the sea.

The ferry “Oliver” will operate on the state ferry line Split – Vela Luka – Ubli, regularly touching the shores of Dragojević’s birthplace, thus celebrating his memory daily.

Oliver themed interior

In a tribute to his legacy, the interior of the ferry is themed around Oliver Dragojević’s music.

Passengers will find walls adorned with lyrics from his songs and bar tables that evoke his musical spirit, making each journey a nostalgic experience.

Jadrolinija expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “The ferry ‘Oliver’ will fill passengers every day with pride and memories of Oliver.”

The vessel, originally built in 1997 by Usuki Shipbuilding in Japan as “Ferry Tsurugi” for Nankai Ferry, has seen several transformations. It later operated as “Hermes” for Kerkyra Seaways in Greece. Measuring 108 meters in length and 17 meters in breadth, the ferry now finds its new home in Croatia, serving as a moving homage to a man whose music continues to touch hearts.

Have a look inside the ferry in the video below courtesy of EdoStuff Aviation.