In the context of increased cooperation with the United States of America in the fields of port and maritime security, from August 29 to September 4, 2021, a team of US Coast Guard experts have assessed the implementation of security measures and standards in major ports of our country.
The US delegation also visited the Port of Durres, to assess the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code), measures taken to prevent incidents in the port territory, basin, channel and its approach, security parameters in border crossings areas for passengers and goods and were closely acquainted with the port security structures and the personnel of our maritime administration.
In the rounds of meetings held with representatives from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, Durrës Port Authority and the General Directorate for Maritime Affairs, the USCG experts expressed their support for the work that Albania is doing for the development of ports and logistics infrastructure, as well as its efforts to harmonize maritime security standards in accordance with international conventions and codes.
Port of Durres CEO, Mr. Pirro Vengu, informed the USCG delegation on the development plans regarding port infrastructure in Durrës and Porto Romano, underlining that these investments will be accompanied by the improvement of port security systems and enhanced capacity building for port security officers and experts thanks to dedicated programs of the Center of Excellence for Maritime Affairs, recently launched by the Port of Durrës.
The USCG experts also visited the Port Security Operations Room as well as relevant security areas in the Passenger and Ferry Terminal in Durrës, where they valued progress made in increasing the security parameters whilst outlining necessary steps to improve and strengthen them even more. At the end of the visit, parties agreed to strengthen cooperation, in particular on projects of technical assistance, including cyber security, improving customs procedures in port areas and resume training of Albanian port security personnel in the US through the US Coast Guard visitor programs.
