Green port planned for Albania

A design image of the what the new port in Porto Romano could look like. (IMAGE: Royal HaskoningDHV)

Netherlands-based engineering consultancy Royal HaskoningDHV and Albanian engineering and management specialist Abkons have presented plans for a new seaport in Albania and a dry port in Kosovo, to the governments of both countries.

The new seaport in Albania would be located in Porto Romano, 9km to the north of Port of Durrës - the country’s largest existing port facility.   

If the development of the “world-class cargo facility” is approved, the current industrial functions carried out by the Port of Durrës would be transferred would be transfered to the new maritime facility in Porto Romano.

This will enable the Port of Durrës to be transformed into a “commercial leisure-focused waterfront”, which the companies claim will improve “the liveability and quality of life” for local residents.

Erik Oostwegel, CEO of Royal HaskoningDHV, said, “In moving the industrial side of the port operation, we essentially had the opportunity to plan an entirely new port that will help improve the transport logistics in the whole of the Balkans region.

“As well as bringing employment opportunities to the area, the centralisation of the industrial elements will set new standards for planning in Albania. It will pave the way for a more coherent development strategy and ensure the stunning coastline of the country is preserved for the benefit of residents and to increase tourism activities.”

Incorporating the latest automated and low-carbon technology, the maritime facility will also be connected to the region’s rail network and road infrastructure.

According to Royal HaskoningDHV, this will enable “efficient, sustainable connectivity” with a new dry port facility in neighbouring Kosovo, which has also been proposed as part of the project. 

Commenting on the plans, Edi Rama, the Albanian Prime Minister, said, “I was delighted to see the plans brought forward for the new port at Porto Romano. This is a fantastic opportunity to set a new standard in planning and connectivity.

“The scheme allows the entire region to benefit from the increased trade, opportunities, and environmental improvements. I feel we are in safe hands with Royal HaskoningDHV, and I look forward to the next stage.”

Having completed “the masterplan stage”, Royal HaskoningDHV, Abkons and a project team from Durrës Port Authority are now working on a detailed designs for phase one of the Porto Romano development, which could see operations begin in 2025.