Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – According to Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs Filip Radulovic, the boat line between Budva and Dubrovnik will be launched on 29 June.

He said at a press conference, that he was proudly announcing this maritime connection, fulfilling his promise to citizens that a new boat service between the two cities would be launched during this summer season.

“This is why it was important that we returned the Port of Budva to the citizens of that city a few days ago. The boat service will start on 29 June, with two departures from Budva and two from Dubrovnik a day,” said Radulovic.

He added that this boat service, operated by the catamaran Antonija with a capacity of 242 passengers, would significantly ease the border crossing between Herceg Novi and Dubrovnik and contribute to further tourism development in Budva.

Executive Director of Kompas Bojan Aljinovic stated that the provision of catamaran transport services to international passengers was not new to Kompas, as they had been connecting Istria with Venice for 40 years.

“The border and the connection between Dubrovnik and Montenegro with daily excursions are indeed a problem,” said Aljinovic, adding that there was great interest of all stakeholders in making this venture commercially successful.

Regarding the fare, Aljinovic explained that a rough calculation had been made, and they hope that a one-way ticket would cost €55, and a return daily ticket €69.

The service is planned to operate until the end of September, with the number of weekly trips gradually decreasing as the end of the month approaches.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajic stated that two days ago, the government had decided to return the Port of Budva to Morsko dobro.

“This is the first concrete result of our work. We are very pleased to conclude that we have made an agreement to connect the Port of Budva with Dubrovnik this summer,” said Spajic.

He noted that this is important news for the tourism industry of both Montenegro and Dubrovnik.