Brodosplit’s patrol vessel could be exported

by croatiaweek
November 13, 2020
in Business

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan

ZAGREB, Nov 13 (Hina) – President Zoran Milanovic visited the Brodosplit shipyard in Split on Friday, saying that he was pleased this shipyard was building patrol vessels for the Croatian Coast Guard and that this product could be exported.

Milanovic said he was glad to see that the shipyard was operating at a profit and building vessels commissioned by the government.

One patrol boat for the Coast Guard has already sailed out, while two are under construction. One is due to be completed by the end of 2021 and the other after that, and then two more are to be delivered at six-month intervals, the president told the press.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan

He recalled that the deal for building vessels for the Coast Guard had been signed in 2015 when he served as prime minister.

Speaking of Brodosplit, which is owned by the DIV company, Milanovic said that the shipyard had exceeded all expectations, “which were pessimistic and even malicious.” He said he was glad that there were several shipyards operating in Croatia. “Slightly fewer people now work here than ten years ago, but they all work. This is now a better organised production process.”

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan

Asked by reporters if Croatian economic diplomacy could help find markets for domestic products, including for ships, Milanovic answered affirmatively. “One should be aggressive and present. There are many countries that need ships like these. There is room, these are high-quality products and are cheaper than those that some Mediterranean countries bought in northern Europe.”

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan

During the tour of the shipyard, the president was accompanied by Brodosplit management board chairman Tomislav Debeljak, board member Tomislav Corak, the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Admiral Robert Hranj, and the Navy Commander, Commodore Ivo Raffanelli.