UN/LOCODE: MEBAR📍 Montenegro
Port of Bar (UN/LOCODE MEBAR)
❖ Coordinates: 42.0800°N, 19.0800°E
❖ Time Zone: Europe/Podgorica
❖ UN/LOCODE: MEBAR
## About the Port
The Port of Bar (UN/LOCODE: MEBAR), located in the coastal city of Bar, Montenegro, serves as the country’s primary maritime gateway. Situated along the eastern Adriatic Sea at coordinates 42.08°N, 19.08°E, the port operates within the Europe/Podgorica timezone. It plays a critical role in Montenegro’s logistics network, handling both cargo and passenger traffic while connecting the nation to international trade routes. The port is a key node in the Balkans, facilitating the movement of goods between Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and beyond.
## History
The Port of Bar’s origins trace back to the early 20th century when Montenegro was part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. During the socialist era (1945–1991), the port underwent significant expansion under the Yugoslav government, becoming one of the largest in the Adriatic. Its strategic position made it a crucial hub for exporting Montenegrin goods, including aluminum (from the KAP plant in Tivat) and agricultural products. After Montenegro’s independence in 2006, the port faced challenges related to privatization and modernization but remained vital to the nation’s economy. Recent investments have focused on upgrading infrastructure to meet EU standards, aligning with Montenegro’s aspirations for European integration.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
The Port of Bar features a comprehensive infrastructure tailored to diverse cargo needs. It includes a deep-water container terminal with a capacity for 150,000 TEUs annually, alongside general cargo and bulk terminals. Facilities for roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) operations accommodate vehicle and heavy machinery shipments. The port is equipped with modern gantry cranes, conveyor systems, and storage warehouses for dry and liquid bulk. A free zone adjacent to the port offers customs advantages for trade facilitation. The harbor’s natural depth of up to 14 meters allows large vessels to berth, while rail and road connections link it to inland destinations, including Belgrade and Skopje. Environmental sustainability initiatives, such as shore power for ships, have been introduced to reduce emissions.
## Economic Importance
As Montenegro’s only seaport, Bar handles over 90% of the country’s maritime trade. Its activities account for approximately 5% of Montenegro’s GDP, with the port and related industries employing thousands locally. The aluminum industry, historically anchored by the KAP plant, relies heavily on the port for exporting raw materials and finished products. Tourism also benefits indirectly, as cruise ships and ferries transport visitors to the Adriatic coast. The port’s modernization efforts aim to enhance efficiency and attract foreign investment, supporting Montenegro’s transition to a market-based economy. According to the Montenegrin Government’s 2022 report, the port’s throughput has grown steadily, reflecting its growing significance in regional trade.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
The Port of Bar serves as a pivot for maritime traffic between the Black Sea, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe. Key trade lanes include routes to Italy, Greece, and Turkey, with connections to the Suez Canal facilitating access to Asia. The port handles a mix of cargo: aluminum and non-ferrous metals dominate exports, while imports include grains, timber, and construction materials. Containerized goods, such as machinery and consumer products, have risen in volume due to improved terminal facilities. Passenger ferries link Bar to Bari, Italy, strengthening its role in cross-border tourism. Plans to expand the port’s capacity, including a new container terminal, aim to accommodate larger vessels and increase throughput to 300,000 TEUs annually by 2030.
The Port of Bar remains integral to Montenegro’s economic strategy, blending historical legacy with modern infrastructure to meet evolving global trade demands. For additional insights, refer to Montenegro’s official maritime statistics↗ or UNCTAD’s Adriatic Sea port profiles↗.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
MEBAR
Country
Montenegro
Province / Region
Bar
Latitude
42.080000
Longitude
19.080000
Timezone
Europe/Podgorica
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Bar?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Bar is MEBAR.
Where is Port of Bar located?
The Port of Bar is located in Montenegro, Bar. Its coordinates are 42.0800°N, 19.0800°E.
What time zone is Port of Bar in?
Port of Bar operates in the Europe/Podgorica time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.04 m
Wave Direction240°
Swell Height0.04 m
Data provided by Open-Meteo Marine API
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
📍 Nearby Ports
Other maritime facilities geographically close to Bar.
Durres
Albania • 89 km awayDubrovnik
Croatia • 104 km awayPloce
Croatia • 173 km awayBari
Italy • 213 km away