At the outset, we would like to point out that the documents presented at today’s press conference had already been presented by the Municipality of Ankaran at its press conference on 2 June. The Company has already responded to these documents. In addition, the media were presented with the National Spatial Plan (DPN) for the port area, which has been in force and publicly available since 2011. The public was therefore not presented today with newly revealed documents, but rather heard once again the views of the municipality, which are not based on the adopted expert studies and supporting documents.
First, we would like to emphasise that Luka Koper’s position remains unchanged. Luka Koper has no plans to construct a gas terminal or facilities for the storage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), nor have we ever had any such plans. We have also clearly stated our position on such projects on several occasions in the past and opposed them, as they are not in line with the applicable National Spatial Plan (DPN). Our position is further supported by the applicable spatial planning documents, the Resolution on the Strategy for the Adriatic, as well as by decisions taken by the local community and residents.
As set out in the final positions on the comments submitted during the public consultation on the amended draft National Spatial Plan (DPN) for the port, the storage of LPG is not permitted within the area covered by the DPN for the port. It is important to note that these positions were issued by the competent ministry on 13 May 2010, almost a year after the document that the Municipality of Ankaran refers to as an attachment to its press release was allegedly prepared.
We would also like to clarify that the handling of petroleum products at the Port of Koper has been carried out since the early 1970s. In this way, we help ensure an uninterrupted supply of energy products to the country and its citizens, which, in the current geopolitical circumstances, is particularly important in terms of ensuring at least a degree of energy independence and affordability.
In the coming years, this berth will need to be upgraded with the aim of ensuring an even higher level of safety, security and environmental responsibility in the handling of liquid cargo.
We would also like to emphasise once again that the graphical section of the National Spatial Plan (DPN) is publicly available and that visualisations have also been published on the website of Luka Koper, d.d.
The Company conducts its development activities transparently and in accordance with applicable legislation.
