Following the approval of the Updated Master Plan for the New Port of Porto Romano, the project has now entered an advanced phase of technical preparation.
This is one of the most strategic projects of the Albanian Government, with a significant national and regional impact, set to transform Durrës into a modern logistics hub for the entire Western Balkans region.
As part of its commitment to transparency and public communication, the Durrës Port Authority (DPA) has opened a dedicated section for the public consultation of the project, in accordance with the legislation governing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Why was there a need to develop this project?
Through Decision No. 1, dated 14 October 2020, the National Territorial Council approved the National Sectoral Plan for Maritime Transport and Port Infrastructure.
This plan aims to:
- improve maritime transport connectivity and integration with the European network;
- strengthen the capacities of existing ports of national and regional importance;
- develop the tourist marina sector and coastal tourism;
- establish four main strategic ports that will serve as key points of the “motorways of the sea”.
Why must the port be relocated from its current location?
Relocating port activities away from the urban centre of Durrës is essential for several key reasons:
- the current port handles polluting cargo (such as coal, cement and scrap metal) close to residential areas, affecting air quality and citizens’ wellbeing;
- the existing infrastructure is outdated and expansion possibilities are limited;
- the port is unable to develop supporting logistics services (warehousing facilities and modern terminals);
- there are limitations regarding internal connectivity with road and railway networks within the territory.
Who is the developer of the project?
The developer of the project is the Durrës Port Authority (DPA), a self-financed public institution that manages the Port of Durrës in accordance with Law No. 9130, dated 08.09.2003, “On the Port Authority.”
The DPA is responsible for all port-related activities and strategic development initiatives, in line with the interests of national industry, business and trade.
How will the development objectives be achieved?
Based on Decision No. 10, dated 26 February 2021, of the DPA Supervisory Council, a Long-Term Development Plan has been prepared, which provides for:
- the construction of the Integrated Port of Durrës in Porto Romano;
- the creation of new road and railway connections;
- the development of supporting logistics and infrastructure;
- the relocation of industrial activities from the existing port to the Spitalla – Porto Romano area.
For this purpose, the DPA has signed a consultancy contract with the international group “HASKONINGDHV NEDERLAND B.V.”, as well as other Albanian and international partners.
What will the New Port look like?
The new port in Porto Romano will be a modern, integrated industrial port, developed in line with international standards for safety and logistics efficiency.
Key Project Data
- Annual capacity:
- Over 2 million TEU (containers)
- Over 50 million tonnes of cargo
- Over 1 million passengers
- Total area: 300 hectares
- Location: Porto Romano, Administrative Unit Katund i Ri, Municipality of Durrës
- Infrastructure:
- 30+ berths
- 400+ hectares of terminal areas
- integrated road and railway connections
- Additional functions:
- Naval Force Base
- Logistics and economic zone
Strategic Connections
- Corridor VIII (Porto Romano – Skopje – Bulgaria)
- Porto Romano – Kosovo / Prishtina corridor
What stage is the project currently in?
The technical design process and the environmental and social impact assessment have been completed.
Currently, the DPA, in cooperation with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, is working on the necessary legal approvals and tendering procedures to initiate the construction works.
What are the key benefits of the project?
The project will deliver a number of strategic benefits, including:
- a significant increase in Albania’s port and logistics capacity;
- the creation of thousands of new jobs during the construction and operational phases;
- enhanced regional trade competitiveness;
- economic development for the Durrës–Tirana area;
- improved quality of life in the city of Durrës through the relocation of industrial activities.
How can the public and businesses benefit from the opportunities created?
The public and the business community may follow upcoming cooperation and employment opportunities through:
- the official DPA website: www.durresport.al
- the Public Procurement Bulletin;
- announcements for tenders, contractors and job vacancies.
How will the land be secured for the construction of the port?
The land required for the construction of the port and supporting infrastructure will be expropriated in accordance with the law and market value, in compliance with Law No. 8561/1999 “On Expropriations,” as amended by Law No. 11/2020.
The DPA will secure the necessary agreements with lawful owners for purchase, lease or compensation, in line with international standards.
How can I obtain more information?
The DPA has created a dedicated page for the Porto Romano project, which serves as a public communication platform throughout all phases of project development.
Information may also be obtained through:
- the offices of the Administrative Unit Katund i Ri;
- the Municipality of Durrës;
- or via the official DPA website: https://durresport.al
Where can I send questions, comments or complaints?
The public may complete the “Registration and Comments Sheet” or the complaint form, available at:
- the offices of the DPA, the Municipality of Durrës, and the Administrative Unit Katund i Ri;
- the official project website: https://durresport.al;
- or by email at:
📧 [email protected]
Public Consultations
The consultation process with state institutions has been completed.
Currently, the project is undergoing consultations with stakeholder groups, including the Chamber of Commerce, private companies, NGOs, and other relevant parties.
The public hearing for the project was held on 7 December 2022 at 10:00, at the campus of “Aleksandër Moisiu” University of Durrës, near the area where the new port will be built.
💬 For any questions or suggestions, we invite you to actively participate in the public consultation process.
Porto Romano represents a major step forward for Albania’s blue economy and for the sustainable development of Durrës.