KOTOR – Authorities, international organisations, port authorities, academia, and industry stakeholders from across the Western Balkans, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, gathered on 14 May in Kotor to launch Waterborne Week 2025, a three-day event aimed at boosting regional cooperation, modernising maritime transport, and celebrating the people who keep the sector moving.
Organised by the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community, in partnership with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs of Montenegro, this year’s edition carries the theme “Empowering Regional Excellence.”
The event opened welcome speeches from Mr Matej Zakonjšek, Director of the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community, and Mr Filip Radulović, Montenegro’s Minister of Maritime Affairs.
Mr Zakonjšek pointed out that waterborne transport is first the story about people, progress, and partnerships, and only then about ships and ports. “With Waterborne Week 2025, we are bringing the region together to build smarter, greener, and more connected maritime networks. Montenegro, with its rich maritime heritage and growing potential, is the perfect place to be this year,” he pointed out.
“Montenegro’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs has a unique opportunity to drive progress in the maritime and port sector. By streamlining administration, strengthening regulations, and investing in infrastructure, the country is well-positioned to align with European standards and unlock sustainable growth,” Minister Radulović pointed out.
The participants were also addressed by Mr Yngve Engstroem from the EU Delegation to Montenegro, and Ms Manuela Tomassini of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).
Throughout the day, participants will discuss the future of waterborne transport in the region. Topics include green technologies, digital tools, and port infrastructure development. Montenegro also presented its latest advancements – including updates on its Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Information System (VTMIS II) and Maritime National Single Window.
Moreover, port representatives from Albania and Montenegro will share their visions for better integration of Adriatic ports into the regional economy, which will be followed by discussions on how to bring regional waterways up to EU standards and make maritime standards and logistics more efficient and future-proof.
Thursday’s focus will shift to people – especially the next generation of maritime professionals. The 14th Technical Committee for Waterborne Transport and Multimodality will set the tone with practical exchanges on regional progress.
Later in the day, the event will celebrate the International Day for Women in Maritime (18 May) with a session dedicated to promoting gender equality in the maritime transport sector.
The final session will bring universities and shipping companies together to discuss the skills needed for future maritime careers. Representatives from leading maritime institutions across the Western Balkans will also insights on how to better align education with industry needs and inspire more young people to choose careers at sea.
The Waterborne Week 2025 will conclude in Tivat on Friday with WINDFEST 2025, a special day focused on Boka Bay’s potential as a sustainable nautical destination. The event, to be hosted by the Municipality of Tivat and partners, will features a panel debate on the economic benefits and environmental impact of cruise tourism in the Bay. Speakers include mayors, port leaders, marine biologists, and environmental experts, all addressing the question: how do we balance economic growth with the need to protect marine ecosystems?
