Split City Council votes to revoke Brodosplit concession

The Split City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to seek the revocation of Brodosplit shipyard’s concession from owner Tomislav Debeljak. 

Councilors also proposed that part of the shipyard’s land be ceded to the city, while the rest remain reserved for shipbuilding and related industries.

The move follows the controversy over the Moby Drea, an Italian vessel slated for refurbishment at Brodosplit. Environmental groups objected to the dismantling of the ship’s asbestos panels, prompting authorities to order the vessel out of Croatian waters. It was towed from Split earlier this week.

The fallout from the Moby Drea case has further worsened Brodosplit’s already fragile financial position.

After more than seven hours of debate, all 27 councilors backed a proposal to urge the government to revoke the concession and to petition the Ministries of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, and Environment and Green Transition to tighten regulations preventing the import of hazardous waste.

While the council lacks the authority to revoke the concession itself, it is calling on the government to take action and outlining a framework for transferring part of the shipyard site to city ownership.

Debeljak purchased Brodosplit in 2014 for 3.7 million kuna after his company DIV acquired a 99.78% stake in the shipyard from the state, completing a years-long privatization process. At the time, Brodosplit employed about 3,600 workers.

Today, the shipyard is burdened with debt. It owes the City of Split €1.8 million in unpaid utility and water fees, and a further €2 million to the Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure for outstanding concession payments.