EU: EC clears rescue aid for Uljanik shipyard

The European Commission has cleared rescue aid for Croatia’s shipbuilder Uljanik in the northern Adriatic city of Pula.

The EC has found Croatian plans to grant Uljanik shipyard a State guarantee for a US$96 million loan are in line with EU State aid rules. The measure will allow the company to meet urgent liquidity needs while preparing a restructuring plan, whilst competition distortions are limited.

Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said, “The Croatian State guarantee will help the Uljanik shipyard to continue operating and maintain 1 800 jobs, while they work out a sound restructuring strategy to ensure its future. We approved it today. The restructuring plan must return the company to long-term viability without continued public support, to preserve jobs in Istria on a sustainable basis.”

It has been in financial difficulties for several years due to the adverse effects of the financial crisis on the shipbuilding sector in general, and on the resulting low orders for new vessels in particular.

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