Port of Durres, 28% increase in the first six months - Aliu: Target, over 260 thousand TEU by the end of the year
The increase in the volume of goods and the number of ships has characterized the activity at the Port of Durres during the first six months of 2026. The container terminal has processed over 142 thousand TEU units, while the number of ships processed has reached 108.
But the rapid growth of volumes, in the face of almost unchanged capacities, has also brought pressure on performance. In an interview for TV Scan, the General Director of the Durrës Port Authority Liburn Aliu outlines the measures being taken, the objectives for the end of the year and the role that the Port of Durrës is expected to play in regional trade.
"So far we are about 28 percent above the first half of last year. We have exceeded the figure of 142 thousand TEUs processed. In May alone we had 27 ships, while the maximum number in a month during 2025 was 19. This shows a huge growth and continued interest in the Port of Durres."
This year's pace puts the port in front of a double challenge, to cope with the growing demand and, at the same time, to shorten the processing time of ships and goods. This challenge was also evidenced in the World Bank's Container Port Performance Index, where for 2025 the Port of Durres scored a weaker result than the previous year. According to Ali, the indicator does not only measure the speed of unloading, but the entire chain of port operations.
“The index is quite complex. It includes the reception of ships, the processing, loading and unloading of containers, as well as their transportation outside the port. All of these elements affect performance. The Port of Durres has an extremely rapid increase in volumes, while capacities have remained almost the same.”
For the second half of the year, expectations are for another increase.
"If we continue with this progress, we expect to have over 260 thousand TEU processed by the end of the year and we could even exceed 270 thousand. We are taking measures to ensure that the terminal operates 24 hours a day and processes two ships in parallel, one of which is currently being processed. This will directly affect the reduction of waiting times."
Part of the interventions is the purchase of new equipment for lifting and moving containers, such as reach stackers, as well as the addition of trucks for their transport within the port territory. In parallel, the staff has been increased and operators who will use the new machinery are being trained. One of the main points is the reorganization of the container yard, to increase the placement capacities and create a faster circulation of vehicles.
"We need to reorganize the square. We are doing this in cooperation with the Border Police and Customs, so that the space is used as efficiently as possible and the container placement capacities are increased. We are also working to ensure that the evacuation of goods can be carried out even at night."
The development of the Port of Durres is increasingly linked to the road and rail infrastructure of the region. Currently, a significant portion of goods pass through to Kosovo, while the completion of Corridor VIII is expected to increase trade links with North Macedonia and other countries in the region.
"With the completion of Corridor VIII, we expect increased volumes with North Macedonia as well. The rail connection and new road arteries will increase the demand for the distribution of goods throughout the region through the Port of Durres."
At the current pace, the Port of Durres is strengthening its role as Albania's main trade gateway and as an important hub for the countries of the region. But increasing volumes will require investments, capacities and work organization to move at the same speed.
Health emergencies during travel - Hajdarmataj: Insurance policy, a necessity
A health problem while traveling can turn into not only a difficult situation, but also an unaffordable bill. Medical visits, interventions,......
EU adopts new rules for air travel - More rights for passengers. Changes, effective from mid-2027
The European Union has adopted a new package of air travel reforms that strengthens passenger rights, bringing significant changes to the way passengers......
Rental yields fall in some areas of Durrës/ Investropa: Apartment prices have increased faster than the income they generate
Some of Durrës' most popular neighborhoods and areas have become less attractive to investors looking to generate rental income over the past 12 months.......
QKB: Financial statements until July 31 - Which businesses must submit reports?
Albanian and foreign businesses have until July 31, 2026 to submit their financial statements and relevant reports for 2025 to the National Business......
Record honey, but behind the figures lies a decline/ Production increases, hive productivity weakens
Honey production in Albania reached the highest level recorded in the last two decades. According to INSTAT data, sourced from the Ministry of Agriculture......
Over 1 thousand applications for “Grant 2026” - Interest in startups and innovation grows throughout Albania
The "Grant 2026" program has registered over 1,000 applications from all regions of the country, reflecting the growing interest in innovative entrepreneurship......
Professionals gain ground in the labor market/ The representation of managers increases, the weight of agricultural workers decreases
The Albanian labor market underwent changes during 2025, showing a gradual shift in employment towards higher-skilled occupations. According to the data, the......
The week starts positively for the US Dollar - How much are the major currencies trading today?
The US dollar has started this week positively, gaining points over the weekend as it was bought this morning compared to the week before at 81.6 lek and......
