The merger of several small shipping companies in the late 19th century ultimately gave rise to Jadrolinija in the post-war period in 1947. Since then, it has been the most important Croatian ferry company and can look back on a long tradition in liner shipping. At the beginning of the Croatian Homeland War in the 1990s, the company temporarily took on a special role. Jadrolinija's ships ensured the connection between the two separate Croatian territories and rescued around 50,000 people from the militarily occupied areas.
Today, the ferry company connects the more than 40 inhabited islands of the Croatian Adriatic and the mainland, transporting over 12 million passengers and 3 million vehicles every year. International connections to Italy are also integrated into the timetable. The operation of the lines depends on the season and can include up to 600 daily departures during the summer peak. The fleet currently comprises 54 ships, some of which are also used for tourist purposes. In addition to more than 70 travel agencies along the Croatian coast, Jadrolinija operates foreign agencies in numerous neighboring countries and other European countries.
In addition to a selection of different categories of cabins, guests have numerous restaurants and café bars at their disposal. The offer on board also includes children's corners for younger guests and comfortable sleeper chairs, which can be used for rest and relaxation on long journeys. Jadrolinija is now responsible for over 80% of the passengers and vehicles transported within Croatian maritime traffic.