The Port of Durres has joined the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) as an observer member. The port accounts for some 40% of international freight traffic and is the main maritime hub in the country.
The ESPO is a representative body of port authorities, associations, administrations, and reports from member states of the European Union and Norway. It includes non-EU members under observer status. It represents more than 98% of all ports in the EU, totaling some 500 locations.
ESPO’s chair, Annaleena Makila welcomed the news with a statement to the media:
“We are very delighted to welcome Durrës Port Authority as an observer member in ESPO. With this new observer membership, ESPO is again strengthening its presence in the Med and Adriatic. I am confident that Port of Durrës’s membership of ESPO will further strengthen the already good relations between the port and many ESPO members, and since Albania is now clearly on its way to accession to the EU, we are very happy to welcome Albania’s premier port in the ESPO family.”
Pirro Vengu, the CEO of the Durres Port Authority added:
“The Port of Durrës is honored to join ESPO as an observer member. As Albania and the EU are ready to commence accession talks, our cooperation is all the more important. We are committed to becoming an active partner of the ESPO network and count on its unparalleled expertise to help us improve standards of operation, port governance and strengthen the Albanian maritime sector as a whole.”
Secretary-General of ESPO, Isabelle Ryckbost said they are working with the Port of Durres to help them prepare to meet EU policies and to exchange good practices and challenges.
