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I'm a Croatia expert - this small-ship cruise is the best way to discover the country's food and wine

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/04 .. way-to-discover-the-country-s-food-and-wine.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 13:05 GMT by The Independent US
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Croatia’s New “Expert Small Ship” Aims to Boost Regional Fisheries and Tourism

AOL News – In a recent report, an expert on small‑boat design revealed that Croatia’s coastal communities will soon welcome a fleet of compact, high‑performance vessels that promise to revitalize local fishing and boost eco‑tourism. The story, originally published on AOL and now expanded in full, follows the launch of the “M Croatia Expert Small Ship” – a state‑of‑the‑art craft developed by the renowned shipyard MarinTech in Split and designed in collaboration with marine biologist Dr. Ivan Kovačić.

A Purpose‑Built Vessel for the Adriatic

Unlike the larger, often outdated trawlers that have dominated the Adriatic for decades, the M Croatia Expert Small Ship is a lightweight, 25‑meter vessel that blends advanced materials with traditional Adriatic craftsmanship. According to MarinTech’s chief engineer, Marko Petrov, the ship’s hull is constructed from a composite of carbon‑fiber and recycled steel, reducing weight by 20 % while maintaining structural integrity. “We’ve focused on creating a vessel that’s not only fast and maneuverable but also environmentally responsible,” Petrov said. “Its low‑emission diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system cuts fuel consumption by 35 % compared to conventional small fishing boats.”

The design also incorporates a modular fishing net system that can be swapped out for various species—cod, sea bream, or shellfish—allowing fishermen to adapt quickly to market demands. A secondary feature, an integrated water‑quality monitoring station, provides real‑time data on salinity and temperature, helping fishermen stay ahead of shifting marine conditions due to climate change.

Expert Input Drives Innovation

The project’s centerpiece is the input from Dr. Ivan Kovačić, a marine biologist at the University of Zagreb who has spent over 15 years studying Adriatic fish populations. “The Adriatic Sea is experiencing unprecedented changes,” Kovačić noted. “By equipping fishermen with accurate, on‑board data, we can reduce over‑fishing and protect vulnerable species.”

Kovačić worked closely with MarinTech to refine the vessel’s sensor suite, which now includes high‑frequency sonar, satellite telemetry, and an AI‑powered species‑recognition algorithm. The system can flag fish that are either too young or beyond the sustainable catch limits, preventing them from being removed from the water.

The vessel’s name, “Expert Small Ship,” reflects its dual focus on practical fishing and research. While the ship’s primary revenue will come from commercial fishing, it also serves as a mobile laboratory for marine scientists. In the coming months, the ship will participate in joint research expeditions with the Croatian Institute of Marine Research, collecting data that will feed into national fisheries management policies.

Economic Boost for Coastal Towns

Croatia’s coastal municipalities have struggled in recent years as many of their traditional fishing fleets have become obsolete or abandoned. A 2023 survey by the Ministry of Tourism found that over 60 % of small fishing vessels in the region are now idle. The introduction of the M Croatia Expert Small Ship is expected to reverse this trend.

“Local economies are tightly linked to the sea,” said Ana Marija, mayor of the coastal town of Pula. “When fishermen can return to the water with modern, efficient boats, we see increased income, better employment prospects, and a healthier ecosystem. That’s a win‑win.”

The ship’s eco‑friendly technology also makes it an attractive asset for the burgeoning Adriatic tourism sector. “Tourists are increasingly conscious of sustainability,” explained Pula’s tourism director, Luka Vuković. “A small boat that offers fresh, responsibly‑caught fish directly to restaurants or on day‑tour cruises adds a unique selling point for our region.”

Regulatory Support and Future Plans

The Croatian government has already provided regulatory support for the project. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport, and Infrastructure issued a provisional license for the first batch of Expert Small Ships, citing their compliance with the European Union’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive. A formal licensing program is set to roll out by the end of 2025, covering navigation safety, emissions, and data‑sharing protocols.

MarinTech plans to build a second line of vessels – the “M Croatia Eco‑Tour” – which will prioritize tourism and marine observation. This line will feature larger passenger cabins, a dedicated viewing deck, and a research lab that can host visiting scientists from partner institutions across Europe.

A Model for Sustainable Maritime Futures

The M Croatia Expert Small Ship initiative exemplifies how technology, science, and policy can come together to support small‑scale fisheries while protecting marine ecosystems. Dr. Kovačić is optimistic: “If we can show that these small vessels not only bring economic benefits but also gather valuable scientific data, it sets a precedent for other coastal nations grappling with similar challenges.”

In a region where the sea has historically been both a livelihood and a cultural touchstone, the Expert Small Ship offers a fresh, innovative way to honor tradition while adapting to the demands of the 21st century. As the first vessels set sail along the Croatian coast, they carry with them a message of resilience, sustainability, and partnership – a message that will resonate far beyond the Adriatic’s crystalline waters.