Shipyard Coworking: Where Tivat’s Past Shapes the Future of Work

In the coastal town of Tivat, there’s a name that still evokes emotion, pride, and memory – Arsenal. For more than a century, this legendary shipyard was the beating heart of the local economy, a center of craftsmanship, and a symbol of Tivat’s maritime spirit. Although the shipyard officially closed its gates in 2007, Arsenal lives on – in the hearts of locals, in stories passed down, and now, in a new chapter called Shipyard Coworking.

⚓ Arsenal: More Than a Shipyard

Founded in 1889 by the Austro-Hungarian navy, Arsenal served as a strategic hub for ship and submarine maintenance. Over the next 118 years, it operated under four different countries, survived two world wars, and witnessed generations of skilled craftsmen pass through its gates. At its peak, Arsenal wasn’t just a workplace – it was a way of life.

*Historical photos and references courtesy of Turistička organizacija Tivat and Boka News.

🚢 From Building Ships to Building Ideas

That spirit is what inspired us to create Shipyard Coworking – a space that bridges the past and the present. Our name isn’t a marketing gimmick; it’s a tribute. A recognition of everything Arsenal stood for: innovation, dedication, and community.

Tivat may no longer build ships, but it still builds.
Now, we build ideas, projects, careers, and collaborations.

Shipyard Coworking is a modern interpretation of what Arsenal once was – a place where people come together to work side by side, to learn from one another, and to create something meaningful. Our coworking space may feature high-speed WiFi, ergonomic chairs, and artisanal coffee instead of steel beams and toolkits – but the spirit of purposeful work remains the same.

🌊 Drawing Energy From the Past

In recent years, Tivat has changed. The luxury marina of Porto Montenegro and new developments have transformed the waterfront. But, as many locals proudly say:
“Porto didn’t erase Arsenal from our hearts.”

We agree. And that’s why Shipyard Coworking exists – to preserve and continue that local identity in a new form. Not with nostalgia, but with respect. Not to rebuild ships, but to rebuild community, creativity, and momentum.

In a sea of generic coworking spaces, we wanted to create something with soul. A space that tells a story. A space that means something.