TIRANA, Oct 28 /ATA/ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, today introduced Liburn Aliu as the new director of the Durrës Port Authority, highlighting that his appointment comes at a pivotal time for the strategic development of Albania’s ports.
In her address, Balluku highlighted the significant project to build a new commercial port at Porto Romano, an initiative designed to position Albania as a major logistical and economic hub in the region.
“We have been developing plans for a new port near Durrës for some time, as the city serves as a key reference point for the region. With the backing of one of the world’s leading international companies, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy has produced a detailed document setting out all the steps required for the construction of the new Porto Romano port,” Balluku said.
She added that North Macedonia and Kosovo have expressed interest in joining the project through the establishment of dry ports in Skopje and Pristina, thereby strengthening regional cooperation and the logistics network across the Western Balkans.
“The international process has been conducted transparently and has generated considerable interest. We have now reached the final stage for the construction of this port. Five foreign companies have entered the competition, and the winner of the international competitive bidding for the new Port of Durrës will be announced on 31 January. Construction at Porto Romano is scheduled to commence in 2026, and within three years, the port will be fully operational,” the minister underlined.
Balluku further highlighted the strategic significance of the new port, noting that it will benefit not only Albania’s economy but also regional partners and international allies.
“The Porto Romano port will be the largest in the Western Balkans, serving both North Macedonia and Kosovo,” she remarked.
“The new Durrës port will serve as an economic and logistical corridor for all NATO operations. The city needs a capable leader with vast expertise in port management and geopolitics, and Liburn Aliu fits this role perfectly. I am confident he will successfully fulfil this important mission,” Balluku concluded.
In her remarks, Balluku emphasised that the Port of Durrës has always been, and remains, a national strategic priority, both economically and geostrategically, becoming a key hub for regional security and development.
“The Port of Durrës has long been a priority, and it is planned to serve as a NATO base in the heart of the Mediterranean. It will continue to be the country’s economic engine, generating not only employment but also a chain of economic activity. For this reason, its management must be entrusted to professionals,” Balluku stated.
She announced that Liburn Aliu will assume the leadership of the Port Authority, succeeding Kreshnik Bajraktari, who will move on to a new role.
Balluku commended Bajraktari for his contributions to enhancing the port’s performance and advancing key projects, such as the new commercial port at Porto Romano and the Durrës Marina.
In his inaugural speech as head of the Durrës Port Authority, Liburn Aliu thanked officials for their trust and underscored the strategic importance of Durrës Port for the wider region.
“It is an honour to assume this role. Durrës Port serves all Albanians and the region, with most of Kosovo’s goods passing through it. Our goal is to develop it into a leading regional port, meeting high standards and offering robust logistical links,” Aliu stated.
He emphasised that collaboration between Albania and Kosovo is vital for the growth of regional transport and the economy.
“Kosovo relies on Durrës Port to move goods throughout the region, generating new economic opportunities for both nations. The NATO port, set to be developed alongside the commercial port in Porto Romano, will enhance security and stability across the region,” the new director said.
Aliu remarked, “In Kosovo, I am regarded as an Albanian from Albania, and in Albania, as someone from Kosovo. Yet this role is for all of us. Together, we will make the new Durrës Port a reality, fully connected to the region’s rail and economic networks.”
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