Brijuni National Park Gets First Hybrid Boat in Croatia

Hybrid vessel (photo: Ministry of Environment and Nature Protection)

Brijuni National Park has just got Croatia’s first hybrid boat to be used for surveillance and research of marine protected areas…

“The waters of the protected marine area of Brijuni National Park will be monitored by a more environmentally friendly vessel which was built-in a local shipyard and is worth 1.6 million kuna. This is the first hybrid vessel in Croatia that will be used for surveillance and research of marine protected areas. This is an example of how investing in ‘green’ equipment at national parks and nature parks is increasing the level of protection of nature and at the same time creating jobs for local companies,” Deputy Minister of Environment and Nature Nenad Strizrep said.

The Ministry of Environment and Nature Protection approved the purchase of the hybrid vessel which is 80% co-financed by the Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency. Along with the classic operation, the vessel uses two electric motors and is better for the environment because it creates less pollution.

Conservationists and experts at Brijuni National Park will use the vessel to monitor and research the local waters of the park, which is characterized by a great wealth of flora and fauna.

“We strive for sustainable development and management with the least cost and the protection and enhancement of natural, cultural and historical values of the Brijuni National Park. This task is easier to accomplish with quality support of the authorities,”said the director of Brijuni National Park Sandro Dujmović.

Brijuni NP

The new vessel is 9.60 meters long and has a top speed of 30 knots. The boat is built-in the shipyard “Pičuljan” on the island of Rab. There has already been interest in these types of vessels from conservationists in Slovenia and Italy.

Purchasing the hybrid vessel is one in a series of projects for cleaner transport, carried out by Brijuni National Park. The Park’s administration has so far purchased 16 electric vehicles, 12 electric bicycles, two electric trains for visitors, four Segways and has three electric charging stations.