Reconnected with Italy: Ferry from Bar to Ancona in 11 hours, opportunity for Italian tourists and businesses

The ferry once again links Montenegro and Italy! The ship AF Mia has successfully docked at the port of Bar and will now sail twice a week from Ancona to Bar.

This successful collaboration is the result of months of negotiations between the Government, led by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, and the companies Barska Plovidba and Adria Ferries. The efficiency and excellent cooperation are evident as the route has opened in time for this tourist season.

In this way, we have only scratched the surface in connecting Montenegro and the EU. Our integration will remain mere ink on paper if we do not physically connect with Italy and other countries. The integration process is essentially about connecting people, businesses, and opening new markets. I believe this is just the beginning and a significant achievement for the citizens of Bar, stated Prime Minister Milojko Spajić during the event held on the ship, which can transport passengers, vehicles, and goods.

The fastest connection between Montenegro and Western Europe has now begun, providing transport for vehicles and goods. Guests will travel from Italy to Montenegro in 11 hours on a vessel built to the highest standards. This will make the port of Bar attractive to Western tourists wishing to visit our region. Montenegro can be an excellent destination for Italian tourists and companies looking to expand their operations, added the Prime Minister.

The new maritime route will reconnect Italy and Montenegro and further strengthen their rich bilateral cooperation.

Significant contributions to the efficient realization of this idea were made by Ambassador of Italy Andreina Marsella, and Adria Ferries officials led by Alberto Rossi.

The next goal is to connect Bar and Bari and ensure that Barska Plovidba can participate equally in the project. In this endeavor, the Prime Minister emphasised, they will have full support from the Government and assistance from Italian partners.

Geographical proximity means nothing without proper connectivity. That is why I am extremely pleased that the importance of renewing the route was recognised from the start. I truly believe that people from Italy and Montenegro need to be in much more contact, and we must strengthen direct connections. This ferry is one of those links, emphasised Ambassador Marsella.

We were very eager to find a solution to all open issues because, from the first meeting, we saw the great desire of the Prime Minister and the Government for this connection to work. We managed to resolve certain technical obstacles in a short time, which shows great commitment. We hope to find a model to connect Bar and Bari in the future with the support of Barska Plovidba, stated Rossi.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Srđan Pavićević, Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs Filip Radulović, the director and board members of Barska Plovidba, and representatives of Port of Bar and Adria Ferries.

The AF Mia takes 11 hours to travel from Ancona to Bar. It has a capacity of 1,528 passengers and a vehicle garage 2,000 meters long. The ferry is scheduled to sail twice a week, and tickets can be purchased at the passenger terminal of Barska Plovidba in Bar.