Sale of Uljanik shipyard stake faces local opposition

The Croatian state, through the Center for Restructuring and Sale (CERP), is attempting to sell its majority stake in the Uljanik Brodogradnja 1856 shipyard, setting a starting price of 11.08 million euros.

This move has met with significant opposition from the local community and shipyard workers. They point to Uljanik's current operational status, which includes approximately 300 employees, active contracts, and a recently signed strategic cooperation agreement with the Spanish shipbuilding and defense company Navantia. The state's desire to divest its ownership is seen as detrimental to the region's industrial heritage and future.

Uljanik Brodogradnja 1856 currently holds concessions for the maritime domain it occupies, and other companies also operate within this area. The nominal value of the Croatian government's shares amounts to 34.38 million euros, making the asking price a fraction of this figure. Potential buyers are given until August 18 to submit offers.

Crucially, any prospective buyer must commit to preserving shipbuilding as the core activity on the entire concessioned maritime property. The state reserves the right to reject all submitted bids, indicating a cautious approach to the sale process despite the urgency to offload the asset. The situation highlights a conflict between the state's financial objectives and the local community's desire to maintain a vital industrial employer.