The Dutch company "Royal HaskoningDHV" has today published details on the project for the construction of the new Port of Durres in Porto Romano, integrated with the Durres-Prishtina railway project and the dry port in Pristina, which, in addition to increasing cooperation between the two countries, is expected to turn Durrës into one of the strategic gateways of the Mediterranean economy.

After the presentation that the company made to the governments of Albania and Kosovo in June at the joint governmental meeting that took place in Pristina, the company reacted on Twitter showing details about the economic benefits and the increase in the port's capacities.

"Plans for the new port of Durrës in Porto Romano in Albania have moved to the next stage after a presentation to the governments of Albania and Kosovo," the company wrote on Twitter.

The plans of Royal HaskoningDHV and local partner Abkons reveal an ambitious transformation of maritime infrastructure in Albania and highly functional transport in the Western Balkans.

World-class port cargo building

The plans are to move the industrial functions of the existing Port of Durrës out of the city to a new location in Porto Romano, nine kilometers to the north.

The consolidation of industrial activity will have a major impact on trade connectivity, efficiency and competitiveness, helping to create a world-class cargo facility that will improve trade across the region.

The new port will use the latest Green Port technologies and will be connected to the rail network and road infrastructure.

This would facilitate connection to the planned dry port facility in Kosovo efficiently and sustainably, thus creating a commercial hub for the rest of the Balkan states.

Economic benefits

After much discussion, the plans now also include an inland transport terminal in Pristina, which ensures that the entire Balkans will enjoy the economic benefits that come from the construction of the new port.

The plan also includes the reconstruction of the current port of Durrës, turning it into a commercial tourist port, improving the quality and standard of living for the residents of this maritime city.

Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania said: "I was pleased to see the first plans for the new port in Porto Romano.

This is a fantastic opportunity to set a new standard in planning and networking.

The scheme allows the whole region to benefit from increased trade, opportunities and environmental improvement.

I feel we are in safe hands with Royal HaskoningDHV and I look forward to the next phase.”

Erik further: "In addition to bringing employment opportunities to the area, the centralization of industrial elements will set new standards in Albania.

It will pave the way for a more coherent development strategy and ensure that the country's stunning coastline is preserved for the benefit of residents and to increase tourism activities.”

The plans were presented to the Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, in June.

Then they were shared with the broad Albanian government, joined with that of Kosovo, in a meeting in Pristina.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama will now visit The Hague for discussions with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Dutch businesses, including Royal HaskoningDHV, on July 4.

This visit aims to deepen the agenda of bilateral political and economic cooperation.

Royal HaskoningDHV is working closely with the Durrës Port Authority project team and local partner Abkons, which is a leading provider of engineering, development and consulting services in the region.

Following the completion of this masterplan phase, the team will now progress to the detailed design of the first phase of the Porto Romano development.

Redi Basha, CEO of Abkons: "The economic and social impact brought by the new port in Porto Romano in Albania, has given us a special kind of responsibility.

The port will be a gateway to the Western Balkans and this makes us proud, because it corresponds to the mission of Abkons to enable large international projects with significant economic impact for the region.

We are fully committed to delivering this project to the highest international standards.

Sharing this commitment with Royal HaskoningDHV has made this venture even more rewarding.

We are delighted to be working together to develop the country's first modern port.”

It is expected that the operation of the port will begin in 2025. /Telegrafi/

Plans for the new @DurresPort at Porto Romano in Albania have reached the next phase following a presentation to the governments of Albania and Kosovo.

Read how with local partner @abkonsco we will deliver a positive impact on the economy of the Balkans https://t.co/l36HPuqePn pic.twitter.com/B2R0q0D4fO

— Royal HaskoningDHV (@RHDHV) July 4, 2022