TIRANA, April 27 /ATA/ “Today, we are on the brink of launching a flagship shipyard at the Porto Romano commercial port, located just a few miles from the city of Durrës, within a 400-hectare industrial zone. This project is set to develop the largest port in the region, along with the largest shipyard in Europe for the maritime industry.”
Today, Belinda Balluku, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, made this statement during a meeting in Vlora, which focused on the advancement of key transportation projects, especially at Vlora International Airport and the development of the city’s port. Prime Minister Edi Rama was also present.
“This port was the outcome of a thorough analysis and a comprehensive international study of the current conditions at the Port of Durrës, a port built at the start of the 20th century in a city with a small population,” said Balluku.
Balluku informed that “this port will have 30 berths, with a depth ranging from 13 to 16 meters, allowing for the docking of large international vessels, which will undoubtedly multiply the maritime capacities in Albania. The projected capacity is 2 million containers per year and up to 50 million tons of general cargo.”
Balluku also touched on the Port of Durrës, which will be transformed into a marina, creating 12,000 jobs, building 5 five-star hotels, and turning Albania into a magnetic hub for maritime transport and tourism.
“The project plans to expand capacity and build new docks. At the three ports, units will also be established for the maintenance of the fishing fleet, in response to the needs of the area. The Port of Saranda is a strategic location, with infrastructure designed to accommodate numerous cruise ships visiting the city. Saranda has been added to prominent tourist itineraries,” highlighted Balluku.
Balluku went on saying, “Over the past decade, the Port of Durrës has seen a 51% increase in processed volume, rising from 3.7 million tons in 2014 to 7.4 million tons in 2024. At the container terminal, we’ve seen growth from 99,000 TEUs to 196,000 TEUs in the last 10 years. In terms of passengers, we’ve welcomed 8.5 million over the past decade, and 165 cruise ships have docked in Durrës, bringing in 54,000 tourists.”
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