As the only commercial port in Montenegro (95% of maritime transport), thanks to the infrastructure extension and development programme, but also due to the regional statute and to the development of the “Motorways of the Sea” (MoS), Bar Port can become the main hub for the transport flows to and from the Black Sea. As modern port, it is well-known for its transhipment capacity of all categories of freight which offers continuous development opportunities for combined transport and connections in the region, due to the hinterland infrastructure. To consolidate its position in the transport system of the region, the port plans to launch projects for the reconstruction of the infrastructure of existing terminals that will continuously stimulate traffic development.
In developing the MoS, apart from the favourable geographical position and infrastructure capacity, a key element which provides a high level of competitiveness is the connection of the port to the railway network. Strategic activities and priority projects are directed to the reconstruction and modernisation of main lines, especially of the line Bar-Serbian border, and represent an advantage because they provide the shortest route to Serbia, Hungary, Romania, as well as other countries. The general aim of the projects is to create a much more competitive position in the transport market. The long-term sustainable development will mainly depend on the dynamics and connection of Montenegro’s transport system and TEN-T.
“The Port of Bar (Montenegro), as central port of the country which ensures the traffic of 95% of maritime transport, has a high potential for increasing the capacity and the development of infrastructure in order to gain regional importance. Thus, prio-
rity projects concern the modernisation of infrastructure and existing terminals and the construction of other transport connections so as to increase capacity and traffic flow”, declared Deda Djelovic, Director of the Development Department, Port of Bar, during the Railway Days 2013 Summit.
Under the national and regional projects, the development of the port includes the reconstruction and modernisation of Bar-Belgrade line, the construction of intermodal terminals in main stations and development of maritime connections. “The project on the modernisation and reconstruction of Bar-Belgrade line is extremely important, as well as the construction of intermodal terminals in Bar Podgorica and Bijelo Polje and the development of short connections to the Adriatic Sea ports”.
Bar-Belgrade line has strategic importance for the transport system in Montenegro providing connection between Vrbnica (north), Bar (south) and the economic and administrative centres Bijelo Polje, Mojkovac, Kolašin, Podgorica and Bar, with direct connection to Nikšić. The line has a capacity of around 1.8 million tonnes per year and “we can say that, under the circumstances, the line permits the significant growth of the freight flow intensity”.
According to the Urban Plan, a surface of 350 hectares is available for the development of the port; the plan includes the construction of several terminals, the development of a terminal for liquid bulk by building Bigovica facilities (capacity of 250,000 cube metres), the development of a dry bulk terminal, the extension of operational surfaces by another 400 metres, the construction of necessary storage facilities and the optimisation of freight handling technologies. A terminal for cereals will also be constructed with a capacity of 30,000 tonnes for which there is partial infrastructure.
“Currently, there is a development potential of the freight flow in the Port of Bar, including its transport to the Black Sea countries, but it is necessary to set up and to develop joint activities to the interest of all parties. We will try to implement projects to consolidate the position and competitiveness of the port in the regional transport system”, added Deda Djelovic.
Share on:
