Kostrena is known for its maritime tradition, which is reflected in the club's name, as the word "pomorac" means "mariner" or "seaman" in English.

Since the independence of Croatia in 1992 NK Pomorac played in Croatian Third Football League until the 1995–96 season, when they were promoted to the Druga HNL.

Arguably, the 2001–02 season was the most successful in the club's history, as they finished 7th in the league and managed to reach the semifinal of the Croatian Cup.

Pomorac had finished the 2009–10 and the 2011–12 seasons as runners-up, but were denied promotion as they were unable to gain a licence required to compete in top level.

In October 2014, due to financial troubles and increasing debt, NK Pomorac was dissolved after 93 years of existence.