Two companies have expressed intentions to revive industrial salt production at the historic “Bajo Sekulić” saltworks in Ulcinj, submitting a letter of intent to the Government of Montenegro and the Municipality of Ulcinj. The proposal indicates a commitment to invest in the site and seek a long-term concession.
The proposal was submitted on March 9, 2026, by Montesalina, an Ulcinj-based company, in partnership with Italy’s Europea Sali S.r.l. This initiative marks a renewed interest from the private sector in revitalizing economic activities at a site that holds historical significance in Montenegro.
The investors are prepared to allocate substantial financial resources towards modernizing infrastructure, reinstating salt harvesting operations, and integrating new production technologies while ensuring ecological preservation.
Established in 1934, the Ulcinj saltworks was once among the largest salt production facilities in the Adriatic region. The facility saw decades of industrial activity before facing a decline that culminated in its closure following bankruptcy proceedings. Salt harvesting effectively ceased around 2013, leaving extensive evaporation basins unused and raising concerns about the site’s future.
Since its closure, management efforts have focused primarily on environmental conservation, as the salt pans have become important habitats for migratory birds and wetland ecosystems. This has posed challenges for policymakers who must balance economic revitalization with environmental stewardship, especially given that the site is designated as a nature park with significant ecological value.
The companies’ letter of intent reveals that their investment strategy will not solely target salt production restoration. Instead, it aims to develop a comprehensive model that integrates industrial activity with ecological protection and tourism development.
Proposed investments encompass:
- Restoration of production infrastructure and evaporation basins
- Implementation of modern salt-harvesting technologies
- Enhancement of biodiversity and wetland preservation
- Development of ecotourism and educational programs related to the saltworks
- Creation of new employment opportunities for local residents
The companies highlighted that the Solana represents an asset of economic, ecological, and social importance, asserting that any investment model would adhere to Montenegrin laws and international environmental standards.
The investors are seeking to negotiate a long-term concession that would enable them to manage operations at the saltworks in collaboration with government entities and local authorities. This concession would necessitate formal agreements with state and municipal bodies, including approval of a detailed investment plan, project timeline, and management structure.
This proposal follows the establishment of a joint company by the Government of Montenegro and the Municipality of Ulcinj aimed at managing the Ulcinj Salt Pans Nature Park, thereby creating an institutional framework for potential partnerships.
Before any concession can be granted, thorough legal, technical, environmental, and financial assessments will be required alongside negotiations between investors and public authorities.
The Ulcinj saltworks encompasses a significant coastal wetland area and historically represented one of the Mediterranean’s largest salt-production systems. The evaporation basins previously facilitated industrial production while also fostering unique habitats for migratory birds and wetland ecosystems.
This dual function places the site at a critical juncture within Montenegro’s discussions on environmental and economic policies. While environmental organizations advocate for its protection, local stakeholders stress the economic benefits that could arise from resuming production.
In various European coastal regions, traditional saltworks operate successfully as hybrid systems combining economic viability with ecological sustainability, producing artisanal sea salt while attracting nature tourism focused on birdwatching.
If implemented as proposed, this investment could significantly influence Ulcinj’s local economy. Reviving salt production would generate job opportunities while reinstating an industrial activity that historically contributed to the town’s economic framework. Moreover, merging ecotourism with environmental management could enhance the site’s economic profile beyond traditional manufacturing.
This approach aligns with broader trends across Mediterranean coastal areas where former industrial salt pans have evolved into multifunctional landscapes integrating agriculture, tourism, and conservation efforts.
The proposal currently remains at a preliminary stage. The letter of intent signifies investor interest but does not yet establish a formal concession agreement. The government and municipality will need to assess whether negotiations regarding a concession should move forward.
Any finalized project will need to reconcile three pivotal objectives that have influenced discussions surrounding Ulcinj Solana’s future: economic revitalization, environmental protection, and sustainable local development. If these goals can be harmonized effectively, there is potential for restoring both an industrial legacy and an important coastal ecosystem that has characterized the region for nearly a century.
