Tirana, October 30 – Maritime transport increased in the third quarter, both in cargo volume and in the number of ships and passengers passing through Albania’s ports.

The Port of Durrës remained the main hub for cargo transport. It handled 95% of total maritime cargo, or 2,135,000 tons.

This volume is 17.5% higher than the same period last year, confirming Durrës as the country’s main center for maritime trade.

Four ports handling cargo—Durrës, Vlora, Shëngjin, and Saranda processed various cargo groups during the third quarter. “Coke and refined petroleum products” accounted for the largest share, 19.3% of total cargo transported by Albanian ports.

Next are “base metals and fabricated metal products, excluding machinery and equipment” at 15.8%, followed by “other mineral products (non-metallic)” at 13.7%. “Coal, lignite, crude oil, and natural gas” represented 6.5% of the total.

A total of 261 ships entered and exited Albanian ports, including 250 foreign and 11 domestic vessels.

Passenger transport also showed high activity. Over 1 million passengers traveled via Durrës, Vlora, and Saranda ports during the third quarter.

Saranda handled the largest share of passenger movements, 49.2%, followed by Durrës at 40.8% and Vlora at 10%. This reflects higher tourist flows and cross-border cruises during the summer.

Maritime trade in goods also grew. Cargo volume in the third quarter of 2025 reached 1,467,000 tons, up 5.6% compared with the same period in 2024.

/a.p./