Energy Efficiency at the Port of Durrës – Towards a Green and Sustainable Future
Mission
The Energy Efficiency Unit of the Durrës Port Authority (DPA) is committed to implementing policies and promoting concrete measures for energy saving and smart energy use throughout the entire port area.
At a time when climate impacts and environmental protection are global priorities, reducing energy consumption and using sustainable resources have also become strategic goals for Albania’s maritime industry.
The DPA considers energy management as one of the key pillars of sustainable and environmentally responsible development.
Vision
Our vision is to transform the Port of Durrës into a national and regional model for energy efficiency through:
- continuous investment in modern and energy-efficient equipment;
- sustainable maintenance of existing infrastructure;
- use of smart technologies for monitoring and energy saving;
- implementation of programmes that promote clean energy and renewable sources.
This transformation aims to reduce total energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve the port’s environmental performance.
The benefit is twofold: immediate reduction of operating costs and increased long-term sustainability.afatgjatë.
Strategic Objectives
Energy management in a modern port requires the involvement of all operational stakeholders.
Terminal operators, responsible for cargo handling and logistics, play a crucial role in this process.
For this reason, the DPA is implementing an integrated approach that combines institutional commitment, cooperation with the private sector and the adoption of international standards.
1. ISO 50001 Certification: A Standard of Success
Since 2021, the Durrës Port Authority has been certified according to the international standard ISO 50001, which focuses on energy management systems and improving energy performance.
This certification has enabled:
- the establishment of energy consumption monitoring processes;
- periodic analysis of energy performance;
- identification of areas with energy-saving potential.
The implementation of this standard requires continuous dedication, but the benefits are significant: improved efficiency, greater transparency in energy use and noticeable cost reduction.
2. Energy Audits
As a major energy consumer, the Port of Durrës carries out detailed energy audits every three years, conducted by licensed auditors, in compliance with Law No. 124/2015 “On Energy Efficiency”, amended in 2021.
These audits support a realistic assessment of consumption and the development of concrete improvement measures, in line with national energy objectives.
3. Commitment to Clean Energy
In line with the Action Plan for a Sustainable and Low-Carbon Port, the DPA aims to ensure that by 2030, approximately 50% of the energy consumed will come from renewable sources.
This objective includes:
- installation of photovoltaic systems within the port area;
- electrification of operational equipment and vehicles;
- feasibility studies for implementing Onshore Power Supply (OPS) systems to reduce pollution while vessels are berthed.
European Partnerships for Sustainability
The Durrës Port Authority is an active participant in European networks focused on energy innovation and sustainability.
Among the most important projects in which the DPA is a partner are:
- RENEWPORT (EuroMED Programme 2021–2027) – an initiative supporting ports in the use of renewable energy and smart solutions for energy management;
- ADRIREC (IPA INTERREG–ADRION Programme 2021–2027) – aiming to develop climate-resilient ports and improve efficiency across the Adriatic–Ionian region.
Participation in these projects has enabled the DPA to benefit from knowledge transfer, technical training and inclusion in international initiatives for green ports.
Challenges and Outlook
Although important steps have been taken, the path towards climate neutrality requires continuous commitment.
Some current challenges include:
- the need for real-time energy consumption monitoring;
- full engagement of private operators in the efficiency strategy;
- further investments in sustainable mobility and recycling within the port area.
The DPA is determined to address these challenges through long-term planning, partnerships with national and international institutions, and staff education focused on responsible energy use.
Energy efficiency is not a temporary project, but an ongoing process of continuous improvement.
The Durrës Port Authority is building a new development model — the port of the future, where technology, environmental responsibility and efficient management come together to create a cleaner, safer and more competitive environment.
In this journey, every step towards saving energy is a step towards a greener port and a more sustainable future for the community and generations to come.