Sustainable transport in Boka Bay: Solar boats

Daniela Gašparíková, UNDP Resident Representative to Montenegro

July 17, 2019

Daniela Gašparíková, UNDP Resident Representative to Montenegro

Dear Minister Nurković, Minister Radulović,

Your Excellencies, Mayor Kusovac, Mr Bonetti,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am glad to be here in Tivat, as we launch the first solar powered boats for public transport in the Kotor Bay.

Why we should all be proud of this initiative? Because – it is an example of how the combination of innovation in design, renewable energy and investment of private capital for public good – can be turned into an economic opportunity, with minimal impact on the environment, while at the same time having a potential to improve transportation services for citizens and visitors of Montenegro.

Today, transport accounts for 20% of Montenegro’s GHG emissions and is predicted to grow, reaching 30% of the total emissions by 2030. This makes the transport sector one of the largest contributors to the air pollution in parts of Montenegro. Under the Paris Climate Agreement, Montenegro has committed to take steps to reduce GHG emissions. Shifting to clean public marine and road transportation, making it attractive for passengers, gradual phase out of polluting car fleets, and introduction of polluters pay principle also in the transportation sector – represent a mix of interventions that will allow Montenegro to reverse the negative trend in the transport sector.

To speed up the transition to sustainable alternatives, the Government needs to lead by example through investing in the necessary infrastructure and enacting enabling policies and right incentive mechanisms, to attract private investors who value sustainability and whose business vision goes beyond generating short term returns and profits.

A science fiction writer William Gibson said that ‘future is already here, it’s just unevenly distributed’. Trailblazing initiatives like this one are important to demonstrate what’s possible if our individual and organization priorities align with a shared vision of the future.

For UNDP, these solar boats are only one of the 30 projects we supported in cooperation with our partners from the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism and the Chamber of Economy. Our support triggered investments of over 10 mil euro into innovative low-carbon projects which during their lifetime will avoid 86 kt of CO2, which is approximately an equivalent of CO2 emissions produced from the tourism sector in 2017.

The future is here: whether you want to enjoy a ride on a solar-powered boat or hop on an electric bus in Zabljak. You can also enjoy the natural treasures on board of electric vehicles in Cetinje or tourist trains in Kolasin. E-mobility is gaining traction in Montenegro – with 11 public electric car charging stations being installed as we speak.

This time next year, I believe we will be standing at this very place, with 9 boats of this kind, offering full marine public transport service.

Sustainable transport drives sustainable development and is one of the ways for Montenegro to meet EU accession requirements, but also to achieve the SDGs and Agenda 2030.

Thank you!