BIJELA

• MEBIJ
• Latitude: 42.449
• Longitude: 18.6545
• Adriatic Sea
• Port in Montenegro

Location: Bijela Herceg Novi Municipality Montenegro

Bijela is a town in Montenegro, located in the Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska), a strategically significant and naturally sheltered bay along the Adriatic coast. It is known for its shipbuilding and repair facilities, making it an important maritime hub in the region. Here is a detailed description and specification of the marine port in Bijela:

Port Description:

1. Location:

   • Coordinates: Approximately 42°27′N 18°39′E.
   • Region: Bay of Kotor, within the Herceg Novi municipality.

2. Port Type:

   • Mainly serves as a shipyard with a focus on shipbuilding and repair.
   • Also handles general cargo and offers some amenities for commercial vessels.

3. Accessibility:

   • Deep-water port providing year-round access.
   • Sheltered by the surrounding hills of the Bay of Kotor, making it a safe harbor.

4. Infrastructure:

   • Shipyard Facilities: Facilities for shipbuilding, overhauling, and repairing. This includes dry docks, berths, repair workshops, and advanced shipbuilding equipment.
   • Berthing Facilities: Multiple berths capable of accommodating different sizes of vessels, from small boats to large ships.
   • Cargo Handling: Equipped with cranes and other handling equipment for loading and unloading cargo.
   • Storage: Warehousing facilities and open storage space for materials and goods.

5. Services:

   • Marine Services: Hull repairs, engine overhauls, painting, and general ship maintenance services.
   • Support Services: Fueling, water supply, electrical connections, and waste disposal services.
   • Logistics: Proximity to major transportation networks, facilitating ease of access for goods and materials.

6. Additional Features:

   • Safety and Security: Adequate safety protocols and security measures to ensure the well-being of personnel and vessels.
   • Environmental Measures: Implementation of environmentally friendly practices and waste management systems.

Specifications:

1. Water Depth:

   • Approach Channel: Varies with tidal conditions but generally accommodating deep-draft vessels.
   • Dockside: Depths can range from 5 meters to over 10 meters depending on the specific docking area.

2. Anchorage:

   • Well-protected anchorage areas within the bay with good holding ground.

3. Drydocks:

   • Multiple drydock facilities with varying capacities to serve different sizes and types of vessels.

4. Operational Hours:

   • Typically operates 24/7, offering round-the-clock services for docking, repair, and cargo handling.

5. Communication:

   • Well-equipped with modern communication tools including VHF radio channels, AIS (Automatic Identification System), and other navigation aids.

Economic Importance:

• Employment: Significant source of local employment through its shipyard and associated maritime services.
• Exports: Facilitates the export of Montenegrin goods and materials, contributing to the country’s economy.
• Tourism: Its location within the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also attracts tourism, adding to its economic contribution.

Challenges and Opportunities:

• Challenges: Infrastructure upgrade needs, environmental considerations, and competition with other regional ports.
• Opportunities: Potential for expansion, modernization, and increased focus on eco-friendly practices and green technologies.

In conclusion, the marine port in Bijela is a vital maritime facility in Montenegro, with substantial shipbuilding, repair, and cargo handling capabilities, contributing significantly to the region's economy and maritime industry.