The project will continue because of the importance of private shipping companies for tourism, Kalmeta said.
The minister said that efforts were being made to solve two problems faced by private shipping companies - lack of berths and the high price of fuel.
Funds needed to solve the two problems will be set aside from next year's budget, Kalmeta said.
Small shipping companies will be provided with enough berths by the next tourist season, he promised.
Support for small shipping companies is part of the government's project aimed at assisting the shipbuilding industry. The government is also helping in the construction of merchant and fishing ships and in the renewal of the fleet of the national shipping company "Jadrolinija",
Kalmeta said.