Filip Radulovic (Montenegro's transport minister) announced that a new ferry service connecting Budva to Dubrovnik Croatia will launch on June 29th.
The service will operate twice daily from both ports. The Croatian company Kompas will manage the Budva-Dubrovnik route, utilizing the high-speed ship Antonija (2002-built catamaran/IMO 9259434), which has a max passenger capacity 242. The initial operation period for 2024 will extend through September.
During the announcement, Bojan Aljinovic, head of Kompas, mentioned that while final ticket prices are yet to be determined, a single ticket is expected to cost ~EUR 55 ($60), with a daily return ticket priced at ~EUR 69. Kompas has a history of operating fast catamaran ferries between Croatia's Istria Peninsula and Italy's Venice from May through October.
Earlier this month, Montenegro's state-owned operator Morsko Dobro acquired the port operator Luka Budva from Dukley Marina, aiming to enhance Budva's maritime transport potential. Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic emphasized that the state is best positioned to execute large strategic projects at the Budva port, including the introduction of international sea routes.
Budva, the largest resort on Montenegro's Adriatic coast, is a major tourist destination, with the surrounding Budva Riviera being particularly popular among visitors.