Porto Montenegro and Drydocks World Dubai have teamed up to develop the former Bijela shipyard, transforming it into a world-leading refit centre and maintenance facility. Renamed Adriatic 42, corresponding to the shipyards latitude. Located in one of the world’s safest natural harbours, Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor.
This joint venture is being headed up by Paul John Grey as appointed Executive Director. Adriatic Marinas will invest approximately €20 million over the first three years. The project involves the design and construction of new infrastructure and redevelopment of existing facilities. The new state-of-the-art shipyard will be able to accommodate the world’s largest superyachts.
The assessment stage is currently in full swing with mandatory investigations, analysis and assessments. Gray has also told the press, “as part of the DP World Group, we are committed to reducing harmful emissions and will do this through the smart use of alternative energy sources and new, more energy-efficient equipment.”
On completion of this assessment stage, phase one of the development will see testing the existing infrastructure, integrity analysis, work on anchor points, construction of a Travel Hoist jetty, rehabilitation of the South Jetty and refurbishment of the existing superstructure.
Just across the bay, in this idyllic location, Porto Montenegro offers a world-class, full-service 450-berth marina with luxury amenities and services. Alongside developing Adriatic 42, Porto Montenegro will continue hosting its success of scheduled events for the coming year. The 2022 season will include many, such as the annual Superyacht Winter Games, Superyacht Business Weekend, a jazz festival, the Superwine festival, an International Fashion Festival, Polo in the Port.
In addition to these events, October will see the 2022 Crew Awards. These awards, created in 2018 by A-Crew, are to recognise and reward crew for outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry. Last year, Porto Montenegro was awarded the highly acclaimed ‘World Best Superyacht Marina,’ following their win of Adriatic’s ‘Best superyacht Marina award in 2020.
This collaboration and redesigning of the Bijela shipyard will foster the growing prestige and interest that Montenegro is bringing to the superyacht world, offering the highest standards of quality and service to the world’s largest yachts.
