Damen shipyard, Adriatic Marinas (a consortium for superyacht marina development and operations) and the Montenegrin government have signed a contract for the development of the Bijela Shipyard in Boka Bay, Montenegro, which will see new life as a repair and refit facility.
Bijela shipyard in Boka Bay in Montenegro
Plans have been in development since 2012 to update the site, and the recent completion of technical surveys in conjunction with contract placed with the World Bank by the Montenegrin government has allowed for the signing of the Concession Agreement for the shipyard on the 30th of November.
Once remediation work has been completed in early 2020, the consortium will construct the repair and refit facility over the following 12 months. The facilities will benefit the country’s economy and have the potential to generate up to 300 jobs in the marine industry.
Bijela shipyard in Boka Bay in Montenegro
Damen already has a reputable global apprenticeship scheme for recruitment and training in the area, and pans are already being implemented for cutting-edge lifting and repair equipment to be brought on-site to begin works. The western section of the site is likely to be used as a preliminary yachting service as early as winter 2019/2020.
Montenegro is a popular luxury yacht charter destination where visitors by motor yacht and sailing yacht can enjoy the warm sunshine and temperate waters of the Adriatic Sea. The crystal clear waters give confidence to young swimmers and all ages relish the abundant opportunities for fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving. The Kotor region along the coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has attractive white sand beaches in deep coves that can only be accessed by water, further adding to the privacy and appeal of luxury yacht charters in the region.
To the north, Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast are an enticing addition to any cruise through the area, or Corfu and the Ionian Islands in Greece charter grounds will appeal to groups looking to discover the ancient culture among magnificent uninhabited islands.
