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Port of Durrës

The Port of Durrës is Albania's primary seaport and the largest in the country, situated at the northern end of Durrës Bay on the eastern coast, approximately 33 kilometers west of the capital, . As the main gateway for and passenger transport to the and Southeastern , it handles over 80% of Albania's maritime traffic, including dry bulk, containers, Ro-Ro, , and services connecting to ports in , , and beyond. With origins over 2,600 years old, founded in the by Greek colonists from Corcyra and as , later renamed Dyrrachium under Roman rule, the facility evolved into a key military and , serving as the capital of Nova in the and undergoing significant reconstruction after a major under Emperor Anastasius I in the . It prospered under Byzantine rule before modern developments in the transformed it into a central hub for Albania's , with its name briefly changed to Port of during the communist period. Today, the port features an artificial basin with a 183-meter-wide entrance, a 120-meter access at 9.5 meters depth, 10 berths, and 763 meters of pier space on the West Mole, supporting vessels up to 220 meters in length and 7.5 meters draft. With a commercial capacity exceeding 5 million tons of bulk and general cargo annually, the port processed around 5.4 million tons from January to September 2024, contributing to Albania's total seaport cargo of 7.74 million tons for the full year. In 2025, it processed 2.6 million tons of cargo from January to August (an 8% increase year-on-year), while January to July saw over 2 million tons with a 6% rise; earlier, the first half of the year handled 1.9 million tons, reflecting a 3.8% increase from the previous year. As Albania's largest passenger terminal and one of the Adriatic's busiest, it handled 775,000 passengers in 2024, including over 117,000 in the first two weeks of August 2025 alone, alongside vehicles and cruise ships. In 2025, passenger traffic reached over 654,000 from January to September, up 2% from 2024. Strategically positioned as part of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII, the port serves a hinterland of about 40 million people across , , , and parts of , , and , facilitating trade with major partners like , , and . It provides comprehensive services including cargo handling, , , nautical maintenance, , and environmental management, underscoring its role in sustainable and regional . Recent enhancements include a customs office opened in 2019 to streamline cross-border trade, while future plans involve relocating operations to the nearby Porto Romano site to expand capacity and redevelop the current area into a .

Location and Geography

Site and Coordinates

The Port of Durrës is positioned at the northern end of the Bay of Durrës, an extensive inlet on the eastern coast in western . This location places it approximately 33 kilometers west of the capital, , and directly within the urban boundaries of the city of , facilitating integration with local infrastructure and economic activities. The bay itself forms a natural harbor sheltered by the surrounding hilly topography, including the nearby Cape of Durrës to the south and Kalaja e Turrës promontory to the north, which contribute to the port's protected maritime environment along the . The port's precise geographical coordinates are 41°18′35″N 19°27′26″E, marking the central area of its facilities. It operates under the identifier UN/LOCODE ALDRZ, as recognized by global maritime standards for and locations. The site's artificial design enhances its functionality, enclosed between two protective moles with an entrance measuring 183 meters in width and oriented west-northwest to optimize access from the open . This configuration allows for efficient vessel maneuvering while minimizing exposure to and waves in the bay.

Access and Navigation

The Port of Durrës features an entrance channel approximately 120 meters wide, providing access for vessels while requiring careful navigation due to environmental conditions in the . Several shipwrecks are located near this entrance channel, presenting significant hazards that demand vigilant piloting and adherence to established protocols. To mitigate these risks, compulsory assistance is mandatory for all entering and departing vessels, with towing services provided by specialized operators equipped for safe harbor maneuvers. The maintains a depth of around 9.5 meters, while alongside depths vary by berth, with the West Terminal at 7.0-8.2 meters and up to 10 meters in the ferry terminal, accommodating a range of commercial traffic. The West itself offers 763 meters of space for berthing. On land, the port benefits from direct connectivity to Albania's national infrastructure, including the SH2 highway, which links to and is accessible via signage just 200 meters from the main entry gate. The - railway provides dedicated freight services directly at the port's eastern terminal, enabling 24-hour operations for cargo transport. Planned rail extensions, including a feasibility-studied line to in , aim to further integrate the port into regional networks.

Historical Development

Ancient Origins

The site of the Port of Durrës, known in antiquity as Epidamnus, originated as an settlement established by the tribe around the 7th century BC, functioning as a vital trading hub along the Adriatic coast for exchange of goods between local communities and Mediterranean networks. Archaeological traces, including early fragments dated to circa 650–550 BC, indicate pre-colonial activity in the area, suggesting the utilized the natural harbor for maritime trade prior to organized urban development. This settlement leveraged the strategic coastal position to facilitate commerce in commodities such as metals, timber, and agricultural products, underscoring its role as a foundational economic node in Illyrian territory. In 627 BC, Greek colonists from Corcyra, supported by , founded the city of Epidamnus on this site, integrating it into broader colonial networks while building upon the existing trading infrastructure. The colony's establishment marked a period of cultural and economic synergy, with the port serving as a conduit for Greek imports like ceramics and , exchanged for resources. However, influence persisted, as evidenced by ongoing interactions between the and the settlers. A pivotal event in the port's early Hellenistic phase occurred in 312 BC, when the king Glaukias of the seized control of Epidamnus, temporarily asserting regional dominance over the Greek colony and highlighting the fluid power in the area. This seizure, documented in ancient accounts by Diodorus and , reinforced the port's status as a contested strategic asset, blending sovereignty with Hellenistic influences. Glaukias's actions, including alliances with Epidamnus against external threats, exemplified the port's enduring role as an early settlement bridging indigenous and colonial worlds before the onset of expansion.

Roman and Medieval Periods

The Roman conquest of the region occurred in 229 BC during the First Illyrian War, when forces defeated Queen and established control over key coastal settlements, including the Greek colony previously known as Epidamnus, which the Romans renamed Dyrrhachium and developed as a strategic for further expansion into the . As a vital Adriatic port, Dyrrhachium served as the western terminus of the , the major road constructed around 130 BC that facilitated military campaigns, administrative oversight, and extensive trade in goods such as grain, wine, and metals between and the eastern provinces. This connectivity elevated the port's importance, with its natural harbor accommodating large fleets and supporting Rome's dominance in the region. In the AD, Dyrrhachium faced significant destruction from a severe around 346 AD, which damaged structures including the city's amphitheater and disrupted its infrastructure, though the settlement was subsequently rebuilt on its original foundations during . The suffered further damage from another major around 518 AD, after which Emperor Anastasius I, a native of Dyrrhachium who reigned from 491 to 518, oversaw extensive and of the walls, transforming it into one of the Adriatic's strongest s. Under the transitioning , the port continued to thrive as a hub for and , with fortifications enhanced to protect against incursions. Following the empire's division, Dyrrhachium became a core component of the , where it functioned as the capital of the Theme of Dyrrhachium from the onward, serving as a primary and trade gateway that linked with the West via the Adriatic. The port played a crucial role in Byzantine defense, repelling invasions such as the Battle of Dyrrhachium in 1081 and controlling migrations, while facilitating the exchange of luxury goods like , spices, and salt that bolstered the empire's economy. Its strategic walls, rebuilt and expanded in the 5th and 6th centuries, underscored its significance amid ongoing threats from Arab, Bulgarian, and forces. Medieval continuity saw Dyrrhachium shift between Byzantine, , Serbian, and control, maintaining its prominence as a commercial and defensive outpost until the Empire's conquest in 1501, which integrated the port into its Balkan domains after overcoming resistance.

Modern and Contemporary Era

During the communist era in from 1944 to 1991, the Port of Durrës played a central role in the country's isolated economy and was renamed in honor of , the long-serving communist leader. This period saw the port primarily serving state-controlled trade with limited international connections, reflecting Albania's self-imposed under Hoxha's . Following the collapse of in , management of the port transitioned to a more market-oriented structure, with the establishment of the as the owner and primary manager responsible for infrastructure oversight and operations. This shift aimed to integrate the port into Albania's emerging post-communist economy, facilitating elements and improved efficiency in handling and passengers. In 2003, Albania's port law introduced the landlord model, under which the Durrës retains ownership of core while leasing terminals and services to operators to enhance competitiveness and capacity. In 2011, the port underwent significant renovation and expansion under this model, marking a pivotal modernization effort to align the facility with European standards and boost regional trade. Key developments in 2013 included the opening of a dedicated fishing harbor on the west mole, providing protected facilities for local fishing vessels, and the activation of a new ferry terminal, which improved passenger services and vehicle handling for Adriatic routes. The ferry terminal's operations began under private management that September, supporting increased connectivity to Italian ports like and .

Infrastructure

Harbour Layout and Facilities

The Port of Durrës features an artificial basin spanning 67 hectares, enclosed by two principal breakwaters known as the East and West Moles, which safeguard the from swells. This basin configuration supports a total quay length of 2,275 meters, enabling simultaneous berthing for multiple vessels across various operations. The navigational entrance to the basin measures approximately 183 meters in width, oriented west-northwesterly to facilitate safe access. The harbor's landside facilities occupy 80 hectares, providing extensive for storage, handling, and support adjacent to the . Comprising 11 dedicated berths, the layout prioritizes efficiency in vessel allocation, with the West dedicated primarily to handling and featuring about 763 meters of alongside space for general and bulk cargoes. In contrast, the East includes a smaller harbor at its northern end and berths oriented toward passenger services, ensuring segregated zones for commercial and maritime activities. Water depths within the vary from 7.5 to 11.5 meters, accommodating vessels up to certain drafts while the overall design integrates quay walls and protective structures to maintain operational stability. This high-level arrangement underscores the port's role as Albania's primary gateway, balancing and zones without overlapping specialized functions.

Terminals and Equipment

The Port of Durrës operates under the management of the Durrës Port Authority (DPA), a state-owned entity established by the to oversee port and services. The DPA coordinates the functional aspects of various terminals, ensuring compliance with international standards while facilitating and movements. As of 2009, the authority employed 623 personnel to support these operations. Dedicated cargo terminals at the port include the Container Terminal, managed by Durres Container Terminal SH.A. (DCT) under a concession since February 2013, which handles containerized shipments with specialized infrastructure such as a 308-meter berth and equipment for up to 180,000 TEU annually. Another key facility is the East Terminal, operated by EMS Albanian Port Operator (EMS APO) since July 2013, focusing on bulk, general, and project with handling capabilities supported by reach stackers, forklifts, trailers, and mechanical shovels. These terminals utilize equipment serviced under a long-term contract awarded to Cargotec's division in 2009, which provides maintenance for cranes and other cargo handling gear to enhance operational efficiency. Passenger facilities are centered on the Ferry Terminal, constructed and operational since September 2013 under a concession to Albanian Ferry Terminal Operator (AFTO), a subsidiary of FRS. This terminal includes dedicated infrastructure for vehicles and passengers, such as loading ramps and customs areas, serving international ferry routes across the Adriatic Sea. Overall, the port's equipment encompasses mobile harbor cranes, yard handling gear, and support vehicles, with recent additions like an extra crane in 2023 aimed at reducing congestion.

Operations

Cargo Handling

The Port of Durrës serves as Albania's primary gateway for cargo operations, handling a diverse range of goods including bulk cargo (both liquid and dry), general cargo, break-bulk items, roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) shipments, and containerized freight. These operations facilitate the import and export of essential commodities such as construction materials, agricultural products, minerals, and manufactured goods, underscoring the port's pivotal role in supporting Albania's international trade with Europe, the Balkans, and beyond. The infrastructure supports efficient loading and unloading through specialized piers and storage areas dedicated to each cargo type, ensuring seamless integration into regional supply chains. In 2024, the port processed a total of 7.35 million tons of , reflecting robust growth in activity. This volume encompassed significant traffic, with 196,507 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled throughout the year, primarily involving intermodal transport links to inland destinations and road networks. and general dominated the for the majority of the , while operations highlighted the port's adaptability to modern global trade demands. In the first eight months of 2025, the port handled 2.6 million tons of , an 8% increase year-on-year. These figures position as a critical hub for Albania's 94-95% share of national sea freight, enhancing connectivity for landlocked neighbors like and . Cargo handling processes at the port emphasize streamlined workflows, from vessel berthing and discharge to clearance and inland distribution. Specialized equipment, including cranes and conveyor systems, enables rapid turnaround times for and vessels, minimizing delays in high-volume operations. A key efficiency enhancement came in with the establishment of a office on-site, which allows for pre-clearance of goods destined for directly at the port, reducing border wait times and administrative burdens for cross-border trade. This initiative has notably accelerated processing for regional shipments, boosting overall operational throughput and reliability.

Passenger Services

The Port of Durrës serves as Albania's primary gateway for , facilitating and operations that connect the country to international destinations, particularly across the . As the nation's largest port, it handled 774,916 passengers in 2024. services primarily revolve around roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) accommodating both foot passengers and vehicles, with dedicated including a modern equipped for efficient boarding and customs processing. Ferry operations at the port provide regular crossings to several Italian ports, including , , , and , operated by companies such as Adria Ferries, , and Ventouris Ferries, with sailings typically lasting 7 to 16 hours depending on the route. These services support seasonal peaks and year-round , carrying a mix of Albanian expatriates, tourists, and commercial vehicles. In 2019, the port processed 878,688 passengers and 259,175 vehicles across 1,052 ferry voyages, reflecting robust demand for this connectivity. From January to September 2025, passenger traffic reached over 654,000, a 2% increase from the same period in 2024. Cruise ship visits complement the ferry traffic, attracting international tourists to explore Albania's coastal heritage. The port welcomed 19 ships in , carrying over 4,500 passengers, with vessels docking at specialized berths for shore excursions to nearby sites like the ancient city of . Cruise visits tripled from 2023 to 2024, and the 2025 season included luxury vessels such as the (250 passengers in April) and Seven Seas Grandeur (728 passengers in October). Recent years have seen fluctuations in overall passenger volumes influenced by global events, such as the ; for instance, full-year traffic in 2024 marked a 6% decline from 2023. In the first two weeks of 2025, the port processed over 117,000 passengers. Despite this, the port continues to prioritize passenger safety and efficiency through streamlined check-in procedures and expanded terminal capacity to handle growing Adriatic cruise itineraries.

Economic and Strategic Role

Contribution to Albanian Trade

The Port of Durrës serves as the lifeline of the Albanian economy, facilitating access to and connecting the country to regional markets serving over 40 million people. By handling the majority of Albania's maritime exchanges, including approximately 90% of national cargo tonnage and 53% of by value, it underpins domestic economic activity through efficient and flows. The port provides direct employment to around 600 workers as of 2009, while generating thousands of indirect jobs in logistics, transportation, distribution, and supporting industries. These roles span cargo handling, , administrative functions, and ancillary services, contributing to local economic stability and skill development in the region. Recent plans for port relocation aim to create up to 1,500 new direct jobs. Annual cargo and passenger volumes at the port drive Albania's GDP by enabling the influx of essential imports such as fuels, raw materials, and consumer goods, alongside the outflow of exports like minerals and agricultural products. In 2023, for example, it processed nearly 6 million tons of and accommodated 827,000 , reinforcing its role in sustaining trade balances and . growth at the port has historically correlated directly with national GDP expansion, with a of approximately 1:1.04 between throughput increases and economic output from 2000 to 2017.

Regional Connectivity and Impact

The Port of Durrës serves as a critical gateway for regional connectivity across the , primarily through its established ferry routes to , which facilitate both passenger and freight movement. Regular services connect Durrës to major Italian ports including , , , and , with operators such as Adria Ferries providing daily sailings on the popular Bari-Durrës line and Grimaldi Lines offering routes to Brindisi and Ancona that accommodate vehicles and overnight travel. These connections, spanning 8 to 19 hours depending on the destination, handle significant cross-border traffic and support tourism and commerce between and Italy. Since 2019, the port has strengthened its strategic role in Balkan networks with the opening of a customs office, enabling streamlined processing of imports destined for and alleviating congestion at land borders such as Vermica. This facility, established through bilateral agreements between , allows for on-site customs clearance, reducing transit times and costs for Kosovar enterprises reliant on maritime imports. As a result, has become the primary seaport for 's external , enhancing in the region. The port's regional maritime transport significance extends to collaborations with neighboring , particularly through links to the , fostering interconnected supply chains in the Western Balkans. Initiatives under South Adriatic programs, including the Ancona-Bar- ferry line relaunched in 2025, promote intermodal connectivity and road to hinterlands, with both and designated as core ports in transport corridors. These efforts bolster trade flows across , , and , contributing to economic resilience in the Adriatic-Balkan area. Positioned as a leading Adriatic hub, processed over 654,000 passengers from January to September 2025, reflecting a 2% year-on-year increase and underscoring its role in regional mobility. traffic has similarly expanded, with overall cargo volumes at ports rising 6.2% to 6.09 million tons in the same period, driven by ' 38% container growth in 2023 and continued upward trends into 2025. This development solidifies the port's impact on Balkan trade dynamics, handling diverse routes to Italian endpoints like for passengers.

Future Developments

Expansion Projects

A key element of ongoing expansion involves the planned relocation of operations northward to a new facility at Porto Romano, approximately 6 kilometers north of the current site, to alleviate urban congestion and boost capacity. The new port, fully funded by the state at approximately €350 million for phase I, will feature deep-water access and integrated rail and road connections, with construction expected to begin in 2027 following ongoing bid review. This shift will transform the existing port into a dedicated and hub, supporting regional trade growth. The international bidding process was reopened with a submission deadline of February 7, 2025, and the winner is expected to be announced on January 31, 2026. Complementing the relocation, the Durrës Yachts & project, developed by Eagle Hills under the leadership of , aims to create a waterfront complex on approximately 450 hectares of the current port area. The initiative includes 13,000 apartments, 850 hotel rooms, 280 yacht berths, commercial spaces, and recreational facilities, with an estimated investment of €2 billion and potential to generate 12,000 jobs. Structured in two phases, the first phase focuses on 4,000 apartments, hotels, and commercial developments at a cost of €595 million over 5–7 years, while the second expands the marina and additional residences over up to 20 years total. In late 2025, a building permit was approved for the iconic Bristol Resort hotel within the project. In April 2025, authorities announced advancements in transforming the Port of into a modern, efficient facility to drive , highlighted by an €90.5 million financial package for upgrading the connecting –Rrogozhina railway line, enhancing overall port accessibility and integration. These initiatives underscore the port's evolution from industrial operations to a multifaceted hub supporting and .

Sustainability and Relocation Plans

In 2019, the Port of Durrës Authority developed an for a Sustainable and Low-Carbon Port as part of the EU-funded SUPAIR project, which aimed to reduce environmental impacts from shipping and port operations across the Adriatic-Ionian region. The plan outlined four key actions: revitalization of green spaces within and outside port areas to enhance and urban integration; implementation of a program to minimize waste and promote practices; reduction of in port buildings and facilities through efficiency measures like LED lighting and insulation upgrades; and targeted cuts in (GHG) and air emissions from port activities, including for vessels and low-emission equipment to lower CO₂ and outputs. These initiatives positioned the port toward compliance with EU environmental standards, with monitoring mechanisms to track progress on emission reductions estimated at 10-20% over five years through phased investments. To address growing urban encroachment and capacity constraints at the existing site, plans for relocating cargo operations to Porto Romano, approximately 6 km north, were advanced starting in , with the new facility designed to handle increased volumes while incorporating features. The relocation aims to alleviate spatial pressures from Durrës's urban expansion, which has limited the current port's ability to expand berths and storage, and to boost regional capacity for Western Balkan . Environmental and social impact assessments have guided the project, emphasizing green port technologies such as integration and reduced to minimize ecological disruption, aligning with broader low-carbon goals. Ongoing public-private partnership () discussions involve the Albanian Seaports Development Company (ASDC), with the state holding a 33% stake and private investors, including UAE-based Eagle Hills, controlling 67%, though initial tenders for construction faced delays and limited international participation. In August 2025, the relocation and rebuild project sparked significant controversies over transparency and equity, highlighted by critiques and concerns. Critics pointed to opacity in the for Porto Romano, including the absence of an international public competition and incomplete documentation, prompting Enlargement Commissioner Várhelyi to urge greater openness in response to parliamentary queries. Potential costs to citizens were raised due to the project's estimated €2 billion price tag, including €150 million in land acquisition and tax exemptions that could strain public finances, with financing risks from pre-construction apartment sales in the redeveloped waterfront potentially leading to taxpayer bailouts if sales underperform. Meanwhile, benefits appeared skewed toward private interests, as Eagle Hills secured 99-year concessions, substantial tax breaks, and majority control, projecting €3.2 billion in profits while the state anticipates only €281 million from its minority share, amid questions over ownership ties to entities.

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