The delegation was led by Commander of the NATO Joint Command in Naples and was accompanied by representatives of the Armed Forces and the Commander of the Naval Force, Rear Admiral Arsen Mullaj.

During the visit, the delegation was received by Deputy Director General of Durres Port Authority Andrea Shllaku and Port Security Officer Dritan Prifti.

NATO representatives got closely acquainted with the handling capacities, services and infrastructure of the Port of Durres, as well as with the role of the NATO Naval Base in Porto Romano.

The focus of the visit was also the strategic role of the Port of Durres and the Naval Base in Porto Romano in supporting Corridor VIII, mobility and cooperation with Euro-Atlantic structures.

The visit highlighted the significance of Durres as an important regional transport and logistics hub, as well as its role in the function of security and strengthening cooperation with NATO. /e.xh/a.f/p.s./

From January through July 2026, the port handled 744,782 tons of export goods, representing a remarkable 39% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This export boom was primarily driven by a sharp rise in containerized shipments, while traditional ship-borne cargo transport maintained a steady, stable performance.

On the inbound side, the port handled 1.7 million tons of imports. This represents a slight decline compared to the volume recorded during the same timeframe last year, reflecting a minor shift in import dynamics.

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According to the Durres Port Authority, July saw the highest passenger traffic at 112,740 total movements, comprising 83,315 arrivals into Albania and 29,425 departures abroad. This summer surge was driven by the peak holiday season, drawing incoming tourists and returning diaspora.

Meanwhile, the Port Authority reported that round-trip sailings to and from Italian ports continue to handle the heavy passenger flow.

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According to Durrës Port Authority, February traffic surged by 12% compared to the same period in 2025.

Port activity has surged in the first two months of 2026, with a 5.4% increase signaling a strong upward trend in pier operations.

This development reflects the commitment to enhancing service quality and operational efficiency to boost trade and drive economic growth. /m.m/a.f/p.s./

Due to its size, the cruise ship anchored offshore and used tender boats to shuttle passengers into Saranda for their shore excursion.

The cruise ship is carrying approximately 2,600 international passengers.

The cruise ship arrived in Saranda from Italy and is expected to continue its itinerary on Tuesday afternoon towards Greece. /p.s./

The visit was held in the framework of the ongoing cooperation between Albanian institutions and NATO allied forces. KFOR representatives got acquainted with the capacities and infrastructure that Port of Durres offers to support logistical and military operations.

The KFOR delegation, composed of representatives of various management and operational levels, got informed about the operational potential of the port, the service areas, as well as the opportunities that Albania can offer in the framework of the host country support for operations conducted or supported by KFOR.

Durres Port Authority said that the meeting also served to further strengthen institutional cooperation and to exchange information on logistical needs, operational planning and the strategic role of the Port of Durres in the region. e.xh/j.p/p.s./

To cope with this influx, there have been ferry round trips in Durrës port with neighboring ports in Italy since December 18.

Durrës Port Authority said today to ATA that, “During the last two days, December 18th and 19th, around 5,600 passengers have arrived at the port. The highest influx of passengers is expected to be on Sunday”.

According to the port authority, 13,000 passengers and around 5,000 vehicles are expected to arrive in the course of these four days.

“The ferry round trips will be carried out until the end of the year from Thursday to Sunday, while the port authority is fully prepared to manage the increased intensity of movements,” said the authority, adding that the port is handling passengers and vehicles on time and without any delay.

Like every year-end, there is a significant increase in the number of compatriots who prefer to travel by ferry to the port of Durrës and celebrate in Albania. /k.s/a.f/p.s./

According to official data, in the period January-October 2025, there were handled over 3.2 million tons of goods, an increase of 7.28% compared to the same period last year, which renders into about 219 thousand tons of goods more.

Of the total volume of goods, 2,442,518 tons were imported goods, while 783,478 tons were goods exported to international markets. The increase in imports by 27% indicates the expansion of domestic demand and shows the role of the Port of Durrës as a stable supply and distribution center.

Passenger traffic has maintained a stable growth rate. In total, there were 694,310 passengers who used the Port of Durrës from January to October, or 11,597 more than last year. Of these, 325,507 entered the country, while 368,803 departed for Italian ports.

This flow of passengers shows an increase by 5% and confirms the Port of Durrës as one of the main tourist and passenger movement gateways in the country. /k.s/a.f/p.s./

Port Authorities of Saranda told ATA that, “Today, the “Silver Whisper” cruise ship arrived at the port with 365 tourists, of various nationalities on board, but Americans predominated”.

This cruise ship came from the port of Kotor and then departed for the port of Gallipoli in Italy.

Its passengers preferred tourist guides to visit Saranda, the ancient city of Butrint, the Wine Cellar in Delvina, the Blue Eye and Gjirokastra.

Today, the “Emerald Azzurra” luxury superyacht with 99 tourists on board arrived at the port. The tourist ship came from Kotor and the next port of call will be Corfu. Tourists preferred previously planned and booked tourist guides.

The city of Saranda has started to receive the first tourists by cruise ships in April of the current year, which during the peak of the tourist season also marked an increased influx.

From January 1 to September 3, 560 thousand passengers entered and exited the port of Saranda by ferries, cruises and tourist ships, marking a 21% increase in influx compared to January-August 2024. /j.p/p.s./

This increase renders into around 138 thousand tons more handled goods, a clear indicator of the port’s consolidated role in the national and regional supply chain.

Durrës Port Authority data show that 1,759,072 tons of goods entered Albania through the port, while 536,901 tons were exported to international markets.

This balance implies the strategic significance of the port as a supply hub for the country’s economy and at the same time as an exit gateway for Albanian exports.

The stable results of this seven-month period clearly demonstrate the capacity and potential of the Port of Durrës to meet the growing market demands, international transport challenges and development of the national economy.

These indicators reinforce the Albanian government’s vision for the transformation of Durrës-Porto Romano port complex into a modern, competitive and strategically important center not only for Albania, but for the entire region. /k.s/j.p/p.s./