International bidding for Porto Romano reopens

Albania has reinitiated the international bidding process for the construction of a new port in Porto Romano. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, is set to transform Albania’s logistical landscape through establishing a modern maritime hub with regional significance. The tender relaunch comes after the initial process, conducted earlier this year, was annulled due to insufficiently competitive bids. The new port is considered as a strategic investment with a planned completion time of 40 months for its first phase.

Why does it matter: The Porto Romano port project is a response to Albania’s growing need for updated infrastructure capable of meeting international trade demands. The new port is strategically positioned to serve not only Albania but also neighboring landlocked countries like Kosovo and North Macedonia. Its development could significantly reduce shipping costs and bolster regional trade and economic integration. Its importance lies not only in its potential to boost Albania’s trade capacity but also in its role as a catalyst for economic integration in the Balkans, a region long characterized by fragmented economies.

The initial tender, overseen by the Dutch consultancy firm Royal Haskoning, was launched in mid-2024 but was ultimately canceled. According to government sources, the bids submitted during this process were deemed unsuitable, either due to non-compliance with technical specifications or lack of competitive pricing. This setback delayed the project and forced the government to reassess its approach, with a renewed focus on attracting a broader pool of bidders in the reopened process.

The reopened tender for Porto Romano introduces a stricter framework to address the challenges encountered in the previous round. The new deadline for submission of bids is February 7, 2025, allowing more time for international and domestic companies to prepare their proposals. The tender budget remains at 39.3 billion ALL (approximately €328 million), signaling the government’s commitment to this large-scale project.

The updated tender includes revised technical and financial evaluation criteria to ensure compliance and competitive pricing. Emphasis has been placed on attracting experienced contractors with a proven track record in managing and delivering complex port infrastructure projects. The process is overseen by the Public Procurement Agency, with the involvement of independent monitors to enhance transparency and accountability.

The Porto Romano port is intended to become Albania’s primary maritime hub, replacing the outdated Durres Port for commercial operations. In addition, Porto Romano’s strategic design extends beyond Albania’s borders. The port is planned to be directly linked to dry ports in Pristina and Skopje via rail, creating a seamless logistics network. This connectivity is expected to significantly enhance trade efficiency for landlocked neighbors like Kosovo and North Macedonia, giving them access to the Adriatic Sea. The project is anticipated to bring substantial economic benefits, including job creation during construction and operation phases, increased trade volumes, and improved infrastructure.