62 million euros wasted in the Port of Durrës, EU: We will monitor the connection of Porto Romano with the TENT network

The European Union with its funding mechanisms was in the process of investing in the Port of Durres over 62 million euros, which are being extinguished by the relocation of the Port of Durres to Porto Romano.

In the annual report on projects in the Balkans with 2022, the European Transport Community has raised concerns about the relocation of port services and whether they will be connected to the main European transport network (TENT), which in Albania is represented by Corridor 8 and Corridor 10.

The Transport Community analysis shows that the project at the Port of Durrës (Rehabilitation of Quays 1 and 2 at the West Terminal of the Port of Durres) has been financed by the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).

The estimated total investment is 62.4 million euros, with an EU contribution of 27.05 million euros, an EBRD loan of 25 million euros and a beneficiary contribution of 9.3 million euros.

"Regarding the future perspective of the Port of Durrës as well as its TEN-T compatibility, the Albanian Government's plan to move the existing port to the Port of Romano should be taken into account. The shift and its impact on TEN-T compliance will be closely monitored in the coming years," the Transport Community said in a statement.

From the point of view of logistical connections, Porto Romano is partially connected to the road network, but has no rail connection.

The road connections are not up to the standards of the TENT network, while the railway connections will continue to remain a problem for at least a decade, which will continue to penalize the port in regional competition.

The Port Authority of Durrës is expected to tender this year the first phase of works for the new port of Porto Romano.

The works at this stage cost about 390 million euros and are expected to be completed within 2025, sources from the Port Authority of Durrës inform.

The first phase includes the construction of the container terminal, the connection to the road infrastructure, railway, sewage network, electricity and water supply.

At this stage, a marine facility will also be built, the scope of which has not yet been determined.

In this phase, the quays, common buildings, the building of customs offices and other agencies, the main gate of the port, security and civil defense facilities, the offices of the port captaincy and the control tower of VTS, substations etc. will be built./Monitor /