The Albanian government has opened the competition for the construction of the new port in Porto Romano, one of the most important strategic projects for the country, through a presentation event in Durrës. 
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, stated that 15 international companies will compete for the port project, including 5 of the most prestigious companies in Europe. Balluku highlighted that the port will serve not only Albania but also Kosovo and North Macedonia, with connections via railway to dry ports in Pristina and Struga. She noted that, alongside this investment, there are plans to develop commercial ports and marine marinas in Durrës and Vlora, with further investments planned for the ports of Saranda and Lezhë. 
In his speech, Prime Minister Edi Rama described the relocation of the port of Durrës from the city center to Porto Romano as a new chapter in the city’s history, as well as in the nation's economy and security. Rama emphasized that the project has the endorsement of the renowned Dutch company Royal Haskoning, which has completed the feasibility and design study phases. The government has allocated a budget of 392 million euros for the construction, and the tender competition will proceed in two phases. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of next year. 
Rama assured that the international competition, led by Royal Haskoning, will ensure the success of the port’s construction and positively impact the economy. He expressed confidence that Durrës will regain its former prominence with these new projects. Rama also thanked the ambassadors of the Netherlands, France, and Italy for their support in presenting this opportunity to major maritime industry companies.