The Polish arch will be finished by the summer of next year

The reconstruction of the Pula breakwater is set to be completed by summer of the following year, according to reports from local media. The project, valued at nearly 27 million euros, aims to enhance the safety of the port for both passenger and cargo vessels. Construction began in October 2024 and is scheduled to finish mid-2027. The work is being funded through a combination of non-repayable funds from the Connecting Europe Facility, which contributed approximately 18.31 million euros, along with financial support from the Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure and the Istria County Council. Minister Oleg Butković described the project as one of the most significant restoration efforts in Croatia’s coastal infrastructure. He emphasized its role within a broader investment cycle focused on the renewal and expansion of ports, rivers, and breakwaters over the past decade. According to him, the Pula breakwater stands out as one of the most impressive maritime structures on the entire Adriatic Sea. Built in 1914, it was among the largest maritime investments of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the time. Notably, a section of the breakwater, approximately 150 meters long, was never constructed. During this reconstruction, that segment will finally be connected to the main structure, completing the breakwater for the first time in its history. Butković praised the progress made so far, highlighting the dynamic pace of the works. Meanwhile, Boris Miletić, the mayor of Istria, stated that the reconstruction has been long awaited. He explained that the project serves dual purposes: protecting the largest city in Istria from the effects of the sea while simultaneously enhancing the maritime capabilities of the Pula Bay. Miletić noted that the project represents one of the largest individual capital investments, with the Istria County, specifically the County Port Authority, acting as the primary investor. However, he stressed that without European funding and collaboration with the Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, the project would have been financially unfeasible. Pavel Dalibor Brnos, director of the County Port Authority in Pula-Pola, added that the new breakwater will significantly increase maritime security at the port. This includes improved safety for both passenger and cargo ships, as well as other users of the port. The enhanced infrastructure is expected to facilitate further development of the Pula Bay region. The project reflects a commitment to modernizing Croatia's coastal facilities, ensuring they meet contemporary standards and support sustainable growth in the maritime sector. The breakwater’s completion marks a milestone in the ongoing effort to preserve and upgrade key infrastructure along Croatia’s coast. With its historical significance and strategic importance, the Pula breakwater symbolizes the nation’s dedication to balancing heritage with progress. As the final phase of the reconstruction nears, attention turns to how the completed facility will contribute to the economic and environmental resilience of the area. The successful realization of the project underscores the value of public-private partnerships and international cooperation in large-scale infrastructure initiatives.