The Port of Kotor is one of the most important maritime and tourist hubs on the eastern Adriatic coast. Its history dates back to the second half of the 12th century, when Kotor was first mentioned as a port in historical records.
During the 19th century, regular steamship passenger traffic was established between Kotor and other Adriatic ports, while local maritime transport within the Bay of Kotor also developed. With the construction of the Adriatic Highway in 1966, the port’s role in traditional maritime transport declined, and by 1967 the last regular passenger line was discontinued.
A new phase of development began in the 1970s with the arrival of nautical tourists, yachts, and cruise ships. After the 1979 earthquake, the port was reconstructed and modernized, and in 1984 it gained the status of an international port. Since 1992, it has operated as a permanent international border crossing.
Since 2005, the Port of Kotor has been fully oriented towards cruise and nautical tourism, recording continuous growth in the number of ships and passengers. A key milestone was the arrival of the first cruise ship “Duchess” in 2002, as well as the beginning of cooperation with Costa Crociere.
Technical Characteristics
The port operates 24/7 and provides safe and efficient conditions for vessel operations.
- Latitude: 42°25.5′ N
- Longitude: 18°46.1′ E
- Maximum draft (vessels over 150 m): 7.8 m
- UNCTAD Locode: ME KOT
Services
- Pilotage services
- Mooring and unmooring
- Water and electricity supply
- Waste disposal
- Fire protection and security
- Cargo handling and customs support
- Passenger transfer to and from anchorages
Infrastructure
- Berth 1: 168 m + 120 m (cruise ships), depth 12.8–8.6 m
- Berth 2: 76 m (Škurda), for yachts and smaller vessels, max draft 4 m
- Anchorages: Kamenari and Orahovac