One of Albania’s most ambitious infrastructure projects has suffered a major setback after the tender for the construction of the new commercial port in Porto Romano failed. The process collapsed after the only remaining bidder withdrew from the competition, citing sharply rising construction costs.
The announcement was confirmed by Albania’s Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Enea Karakaçi, who explained that the company’s withdrawal was driven purely by economic factors related to increasing global construction expenses.
Why the Porto Romano Port Tender Failed
According to the government, the final bidder in the competition decided to withdraw before submitting its financial offer. The decision was justified by the significant increase in total construction costs triggered by global market instability and rising commodity prices.
The tender aimed to build the new integrated commercial port of Durrës in Porto Romano, a strategic project designed to replace and expand Albania’s current port infrastructure.
Officials confirmed that the procurement commission will now follow legal procedures to determine the next steps after the failed bidding process.
Despite the setback, the Albanian government insists the project will continue in another form.
Karakaçi stated that authorities will prepare an alternative scenario to move the project forward and ensure that the investment is eventually realized.
A €400 Million Strategic Investment
The project for the Porto Romano commercial port is estimated to cost around €400 million and is considered one of the most important infrastructure investments in Albania in recent years.
The first phase alone has a budget of about 39.3 billion lek (nearly €400 million) and includes the development of major port facilities such as container terminals and logistics infrastructure.
Construction for this initial phase was expected to last approximately 3.5 years, with the port being developed in multiple stages.
The tender process has already faced several difficulties in the past. A previous attempt to launch the construction tender in 2024 also failed to attract sufficient bids, forcing authorities to reopen the competition later that year.
Companies and Legal Challenges During the Tender
During the prequalification stage of the procurement process, only two major international companies initially passed the technical evaluation: Archirodon Construction and Van Oord Dredging and Marine Contractors.
Several other well-known construction groups were disqualified, which later led to legal complaints filed with Albania’s Public Procurement Commission.
Eventually, the competition narrowed down to a single bidder. When that company withdrew before submitting the final financial proposal, the tender automatically collapsed.
What Happens Next?
Government officials insist that delays in selecting a contractor will not affect the normal operations of the current port in Durrës. This is partly because the redevelopment of the existing port area into the Durrës Marina project is still in its early stages.
The Porto Romano port is intended to become Albania’s main commercial shipping hub once completed, supporting cargo transport, logistics, and regional trade.
The project has been designed with the assistance of international consultancy firm Royal HaskoningDHV, which has helped the government prepare the technical framework and procurement procedures according to international standards.
A Key Project for Albania’s Economic Future
Despite the failed tender, the Albanian government maintains that the Porto Romano port remains a strategic priority for the country’s economic development.
Authorities argue that the new port will significantly increase Albania’s logistics capacity, support trade growth, and strengthen the country’s role in regional maritime transport.
For now, however, the project faces uncertainty as officials work to relaunch the process and attract new investors capable of managing the rising costs of large-scale infrastructure development.