Beginning of preparatory works for the modernization of the Port of Brcko

The project, funded by the European Union and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, will contribute to improving business and increasing the port's capacity

15.6.2021, Brcko - Today in Brcko, the beginning of preparatory works on the reconstruction and modernization of the port of Brcko was officially marked in the presence of the Mayor of Brcko, the President of the Brcko Assembly, representatives of the European Union, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Office of the High Representative.

The project for the modernization of the Port of Brčko will include the construction and arrangement of the port plateau, the purchase of a new crane, the reconstruction of the Bijeljina road as well as the railway to the Brčko-Novo railway station. The works will first start on the reconstruction of the plateau, which will be performed by the company Bijeljina and Prijedor putevi, selected at a public tender.

The Director of the Port of Brčko, Perica Josić, stated: “The Port of Brčko is an important transit point for the flow of freight traffic in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is connected to the European Union by rail, road and river. With this modernization project consisting of three parts: reconstruction of the plateau with stormwater drainage, procurement of a new crane and reconstruction of the railway from Brčko Novo station to Brčko Port with the construction of the access road, we will make our port more competitive, more efficient and better equipped with increased capacity which will allow us to increase the volume of work and attract new clients. "

"Despite all the challenges in the past year, we have completed all the preparatory work so that we can attend the beginning of the realization of this strategic infrastructure project today. Modernization of the only river port in BiH - the Port of Brcko will increase the competitiveness of the Brcko District when it comes to economic development. I expect that the entire economy of BiH, but also its citizens, will benefit from this project, "said the mayor of the Brcko District of BiH, Esed Kadrić.

The President of the Assembly of the Brčko District of BiH, Siniša Milić, stated: "The project of revitalization of the Port is one of the most important projects in Brčko that will position us in the center of integration activities when it comes to connecting economy and transport, not only in BiH but also in the region." "After a three-year blockade in the realization of this important project, and the practical expiration of the grace period, its

realization has started".

Mechanization in the port of Brcko is mostly dilapidated, and the portal cranes are more than 50 years old. The project also includes the procurement of a new crane with a carrying capacity of up to 16 tons (three times larger than the current one), which will contribute to increasing the handling capacity of goods to 150 to 200 tons per hour.

The total value of the project is 10 million euros and is financed by a grant from the European Union in the amount of over 3 million euros and a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in the amount of 7 million euros. EU funds are provided through the Western Balkans Investment Framework, in which international financial institutions and donors provide funding for major infrastructure investments in the region.

The Head of the EU Delegation to BiH and EU Special Representative, Ambassador Johann Sattler, said: "Thanks to its strategic and geographical position, the port of Brcko can become a key transit point for the flow of freight traffic between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union." The current infrastructure of the port of Brcko is outdated and difficult to access by rail, but after the reconstruction of the port it can become a central link for the region's economies. I am pleased that the EU has supported the modernization of the port of Brcko with a EUR 3 million grant. This will bring concrete benefits to the local community and the whole country through new investments, job creation and new business opportunities. "

Manuela Nesl, Director of the Office of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in BiH, said: "The EBRD is pleased that the modernization of the Port of Brcko is finally beginning. We are confident that this project will have a significant positive impact on economic growth and trade facilitation here in Brcko and throughout BiH. The port can be a trade hub and with its excellent location also an export center for the region. We will continue to support this development - hoping that private investors will also take advantage of the opportunities in the new port - and we will continue to support the improvement of infrastructure throughout BiH, achieving better links with countries in the region and the EU. "

The rehabilitation project is in line with the European Union's Connectivity Agenda, which promotes transport connectivity in the Western Balkans as an important factor for economic development, regional cooperation and integration with the European Union.