Montenegro’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs continues negotiations for the sale of the ships “Kotor” and “21. maj”, despite earlier assurances that both vessels, valued at around 30 million euros, would be retained. Unofficial sources indicate potential buyers are unlikely to offer more than 15–16 million euros for both ships.
Previous plans to address liquidity issues included a one-million-euro loan from Barska plovidba, but the agreement was quickly terminated after only 300,000 euros were used to cover salaries and supplier debts. Buyers from Turkey and Denmark are reportedly interested, though the process has been prolonged, with no official updates yet from the Ministry.
The situation escalated after the ship “Kotor” was twice detained—first in the United States and then in the United Kingdom—due to accumulated debts, poor maintenance, and unpaid crew wages. Minister Filip Radulović previously announced criminal complaints over the vessel’s condition.
Critics argue that statements about the ships’ poor state and delays have negatively affected potential sale prices. Remedial works in 2022 were insufficient, with the vessel receiving a low “D” classification. An independent inspection commissioned from a Dubai-based company has not been publicly released, raising concerns about its thoroughness and cost-effectiveness.
The Montenegrin Seafarers and Dockers Union has criticized the Ministry for failing to stabilize the sector, urging the government to find a sustainable recovery model and protect all vessels, including “Kotor.” The current board of Montenegrin Shipping is chaired by Petar Janković, with members Adem Husović, Manush Capriq, Kristina Kovačević, and Dejan Keljević.
