Split Mayor Demands Acceleration of Brodosplit Shipyard Concession Revocation

Split Mayor Tomislav Šuta has called for the swift conclusion of the pre-bankruptcy proceedings and the revocation of the concession for the Brodosplit shipyard. Speaking at a press conference outside the shipyard's main entrance, Šuta emphasized that while shipbuilding should remain a vital part of Split's identity, the current situation is untenable.

Šuta lamented the decline of what was once a major economic symbol for Split, noting that employment has plummeted from around 10,000 workers to just over 200. He pointed to idle cranes as a symbol of the shipyard's disuse, stating that the current management model is unsuitable for the city. The mayor urged relevant institutions to make prompt decisions to end the prolonged uncertainty that hinders the development of this significant area.

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The existing situation is unsustainable.

Furthermore, Šuta revealed that Brodosplit owes the City of Split over two million euros in communal fees. He questioned why the previous city administration did not act sooner to protect and collect these claims, demanding an investigation into potential responsibility for the financial damage incurred by the city.

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The cranes you see behind us, I think, haven't been in operation for years. This model and way of managing the shipyard have no place in Split.

Regarding the future of the Brodosplit site, Šuta stressed the need for shipbuilding to continue in Split, alongside the development of modern and small-scale shipbuilding. He also advocated for incorporating new facilities that would generate additional value for the city, viewing the area as one of Split's largest development potentials. The future development must balance preserving shipbuilding with introducing new economic, technological, public, and transport amenities.

Brodosplit's spokesperson, Josip Jurišić, attempted to engage Šuta in a discussion about the historical causes of the shipyard's current state. Jurišić then invited journalists, including the mayor, on a tour to showcase ongoing work, specifically a sailing yacht under construction. He attributed the present difficulties to the war in Ukraine and the pandemic, questioning if the yacht represented a glimmer of hope. Šuta, however, remained unimpressed by the limited activity on the vast 40-hectare site.

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Split cannot remain hostage to the uncertainty that has been hindering the development of this valuable space for years.