DURRES

• ALDRZ
• Latitude: 41.3076
• Longitude: 19.4588
• Adriatic Sea
• Port in Albania

Location: Albania

Durres Port, also known as Durrës Port (Porti i Durrësit in Albanian), is the largest and principal seaport in Albania. It is strategically located on the Adriatic Sea, providing a vital maritime gateway for the country and serving as a crucial hub for passenger and cargo transport.

Location

• Coordinates: Approximately 41°18′N 19°27′E
• Situate: Located approximately 33 kilometers west of the capital city, Tirana.

Key Features and Infrastructure

• Terminals: The port comprises multiple terminals dedicated to different types of cargo and passenger traffic, including:
  • Container Terminal: Equipped to handle large container ships and efficiently manage containerized cargo.
  • Ro-Ro Terminal: Caters to roll-on/roll-off vessels, facilitating the transport of vehicles and wheeled cargo.
  • Passenger Terminal: Serves ferry services to various destinations, primarily connecting Albania with Italy and other countries on the Adriatic coast.
  • General Cargo Terminal: Manages a variety of cargoes, including bulk commodities and breakbulk.
  • Oil and Liquid Bulk Terminal: Designed for the storage and handling of liquid bulk cargoes such as petroleum products.

Specifications

• Berths: The port has over a dozen berths with varying depths to accommodate different types of vessels.
  • Depth: Ranges typically from 7 to 11 meters, suitable for medium-sized vessels. Specific depths and lengths per berth can vary.
• Capacity: The port has an annual handling capacity of several million tons of cargo, with continuous investments aimed at increasing capacity and efficiency.
• Equipment: Modern cargo-handling equipment such as cranes (container cranes, mobile harbor cranes), forklifts, and other machinery to ensure efficient loading and unloading operations.

Services

• Pilotage: Mandatory for larger vessels, ensuring safe navigation into and out of the port.
• Towing and Mooring: Available to assist vessels docking and undocking.
• Storage Facilities: Warehousing and open storage areas are available for various types of cargo.
• Customs and Security: On-site customs facilities streamline the process of import and export, while security measures comply with international standards.

Connectivity

• Rail Links: Direct rail connections from the port facilitate the efficient transportation of goods to and from the interior of Albania and neighboring countries.
• Road Network: Well-connected to the national road network, enabling smooth distribution of cargo to and from the port.
• Passenger Services: Regular ferry services enhance connectivity to regional destinations, particularly Italy (ports like Bari and Ancona).

Economic Role

• Trade Hub: As Albania's main maritime gateway, Durres Port plays a crucial role in the nation's trade, significantly contributing to the economy.
• Industrial Zone: Proximity to key industrial areas and logistics parks.
• Free Economic Zone: Plans for future development may include free trade zones to attract more business and investment.

Challenges and Developments

• Expansion and Modernization: Ongoing projects aim to boost capacity, upgrade infrastructure, and improve services to maintain competitiveness.
• Environmental Concern: Initiatives in place to ensure environmentally sustainable operations.

In summary, Durres Port is a pivotal maritime facility in the Western Balkans, essential for Albania’s trade and connectivity with the wider region. With its continuous development and modernization efforts, it aims to keep up with growing demands and evolving global maritime trends.