Bar
General
42°05'.9N 19°05'.2E Charts BA 1582, 683 (detailed), MK29, MK28, lmray M27 Bar is the most important commercial port in Montenegro, but it also has a marina. It is open throughout the year as a port of entry, and the formalities are completed efficiently by pleasant officials.
Approach
The approach to Bar is straightforward, and the port is easily identified by day and night. By day, the bright silver fuel-storage tanks on Rt Volujica are conspicuous from several miles offshore. The entrance to the harbour is 0.8M north-northeast of the headland, passing round the north end of a stone and concrete breakwater with a Fl.G.4s light on it. The N breakwater is built in a W direction from the shore, and has underwater ballasting extending from it. The marina lies to the NE of the harbour entrance and is entered from the N. Pass midway between the breakwaters to avoid the ballasting extending from the ends. When entering the harbour beware of any ships, or ferries, which may be manoeuvring. There are usually a few ships anchored off the port.
Lights
Rt Volujica Fl(2)7s30m16M Bar harbour W breakwater Fl.G.3s19m6M N breakwater head Fl(2)R.5s6m3M Marina N pier Fl(3)G.5s7m3M S pier Fl(3)R.5s6m3M The harbour lights are difficult to see against the background of the bright port and town lights.
Berth
A yacht should tie up at the customs quay, avoiding the berths used by the tugs, ferries, and pilot boat. This is the official berth for yachts wishing to clear customs, but yachts are allowed to stay here for a few days. It is possible to berth at one of the concrete pontoons in the marina. The port of Bar is backed by high mountains Anchor Anchoring within the harbour is prohibited.
Shelter
The bora blows strongly in this area, but the harbour provides a secure berth, especially alongside the customs quay. Good all-round shelter.
Officials
Year-round port of entry. Harbourmaster and police in the new building across the road from the entrance to the customs quay. Customs office on the quay.
Facilities
Water and electricity at the marina. Water is laid on to the customs quay. A special hose fitting is required, but it is possible to use the pilot boat's hose (ask first!). There is also a tap on the side of the fuel shed. Petrol and diesel are available from a filling station on the main road leading S out of the town. Butane gas depot next to the filling station. Paraffin from hardware shop. Several large well-stocked supermarkets, and a department store. Daily fruit and vegetable market. Bank. Post Office. Telephones. General hospital and pharmacies. Dentist. Hotel, restaurants, cafe/bars. Mechanic. Repair facilities in the port are intended for ships, but it may be possible to obtain help with any serious problems. The harbourmaster will be able to Rt Volujica (Bar) Ulcinj Rt Volujica and the entrance to Bar harbour, viewed from N. The storage tanks on Rt Volujica are conspicuous offer advice. Chart agent. Bus and train service. Taxis. Car hire. Ferry to Italy and Greece, and ports in Croatia.
History
The earliest settlement was at Stari Bar, but the old town was abandoned in 1878 following damage which occurred during the war between the Turks and Montenegrins. Further explosions of powder kept in two churches in 1881 and 1912 completed the destruction of Stari Bar, which is now a heap of ruins. The harbour at Bar (Novi Bar) has been developing since 1907 and it is now the major port of Montenegro. The first radio station in the Balkans was set up on Rt Volujica on 10 August 1903 by Guglielmo Marconi. The station ceased broadcasting during the First World War.
Visits
Bar is a good base from which to explore the surrounding countryside. Possible excursions are to Stari Bar, Ulcinj, Skadarsko Jezero (the lake on the border between Albania and Montenegro), or a trip on the Bar-Titograd railway. Sutomorski (Spicanski) Zaljev
Adriatic Navigation Guide Images for Bar
Adriatic Navigation Guide images and captions provide additional visual reference for this navigation location.
