Bidding opens for construction of new Porto Romano port
The bidding process has officially commenced for the construction of the new Porto Romano port. The government is currently negotiating with NATO to secure funding for a naval military base within the port area. The budget allocated for the construction is €392 million, with work expected to begin next year.
Why is this significant
The new Porto Romano port is considered one of the most strategically significant projects not only for Albania but for the entire region. The Dutch firm Royal Haskoning is overseeing the project, which also includes the construction of two dry docks—one in Pristina, Kosovo and one in Struga, North Macedonia. If NATO approves the Albanian government’s proposal to build a naval base, the port will become a strategic hub for the Alliance.
Context
The bidding process, which opened this Tuesday, has attracted 15 international companies expressing interest in the Porto Romano project. Prime Minister Edi Rama has emphasized that relocating the Port of Durrës from the city center to Porto Romano represents a new chapter in the city’s history, as well as in the national economy and security.
Royal Haskoning, founded in 1881, will act as a key partner for the Albanian government, overseeing the entire project from international bidding to implementation.
The new port is expected to enhance Albania’s strategic position for regional trade and security. It will connect the region to broader trade networks through planned railways and two dry docks, which, according to the Prime Minister, will manage significant trade flows and exchanges.
Meanwhile, the current Port of Durrës area will see the development of “Durrës Yacht & Marina” by developer Muhamed Albar, expected to complete in ten years. This project will feature the largest yacht port in the region, alongside 12,000 apartments, 300 yacht berths, and numerous new service facilities, in partnership with Emaar Group.
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