Montenegro is a coastal country without a maritime industry because political decisions sank its ships before they even set sail, stated the political group Preokret.
Two ships of Montenegrin Shipping were purchased without proper planning or analysis, using a rough estimate method, and today they sit as rusting wrecks tied up in foreign ports. The costs of docking these ships are twice as high as the revenue they generate. Preokret questioned whether this isn’t outright corruption.
They criticized the management as being politically appointed, lacking expertise and accountability. The minister makes decisions without any serious economic assessment. The company is in debt, the fleet is deteriorating, and the state remains silent. No one is held accountable because there is no one demanding responsibility.
Preokret compared this to Germany, where strategic sectors are protected and managed with expertise. In Montenegro, ships are bought as if they were used cars. They referenced a similar failed case with the ship Jugooceanija Kotor, sold merely for docking costs, suggesting this is a replay of that scenario.
They stressed the urgent need for a unified company. The state must immediately invest through recapitalization to save the fleet from sinking. There is no need for two shipping companies with just four ships, nor for two armies of political appointees.
The government must choose: either quickly sell the ships or urgently restore them. Each day of delay results in greater losses. Accountability must be addressed because this is not a mistake but conduct harmful to the state.
Without expertise and change, Montenegro risks remaining a coastal country but losing its maritime identity, reduced only to rusting ships and docking fees.
