“The EU and Montenegro have a common interest in identifying and addressing challenges related to the protection of the environment as well as maritime security and safety at sea,” said EU Ambassador to Montenegro Oana Cristina Popa during the ceremonial handover of equipment to the Administration for Maritime Safety and Port Management in Bar.

The equipment worth €940,000 is intended for search and rescue operations and the protection of the sea from pollution and represents a donation from the European Union to support the transport sector. The donated equipment was displayed to the public at the anchorage of the Montenegrin Army at the Port of Bar.

“This new equipment complements the one we provided to Montenegro back in 2013, which is still in use. The equipment is worth almost one million Euros and will support Montenegro to better protect the marine environment and respond efficiently in case of pollution accidents. It will also help in responding to potentially dangerous situations at sea, thus improving Montenegrin search and rescue capacities. This is especially important in the context of the migratory crisis” said Popa, adding that the EU will continue to support efforts to protect the sea and strengthen maritime security for the benefit of citizens, businesses, and ecosystems in Montenegro and the EU.

The new equipment includes, among other things, a multipurpose vessel for open sea, an oil collection device (skimmer), a propulsion package (diesel generator and hydraulic pump) with hoses, a floating protective barrier for collecting light oil sludge, a floating absorbent barrier, granulated absorbents, and accompanying training.