Abstract

Sea transport has always been the primary mode for both, passengers and cargo transport between the mainland and the islands along the Adriatic coast. The Liner shipping have had the central role in ensuring regular and affordable transport services in the region. Demand for a regular transport services is primarily derived from the need of goods’ delivery and passengers traveling to/from islands. The demand is particularly intensive during the peak summertime season, due to a high level of tourists’ mobility. Due to the affordable costs, taken from the users’ perspective, the transport is of no commercial value for the transporter unless the state subsidizes part of the transport costs at the level of the concessions announced. This paper focuses on the analysis of transport costs and restructuring of the existing shipping lines in mid-insular Croatia, with the aim of developing a model that would reduce transportation costs and shrink total loses, thus lowering the burden on the state budget. The research points out that the specific reformation of the coastal shipping network would indeed lead to cost savings without compromising passengers/goods mobility among mainland and islands in Central Dalmatia.