Representatives of the Shipping Administration, as part of the Ukrainian delegation, participated in a study visit held in Tirana and Durrës (Republic of Albania) on 27–29 January 2026.
The event was organised by the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community for the observing countries – Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova – to exchange best practices on the formulation and implementation of maritime transport policy, as well as the alignment of national legislation with EU acquis.
The meetings were held in Tirana at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of the Republic of Albania. The participants discussed with senior officials of the Ministry and the Transport Community representatives the Albania’s progress under Chapters 14 “Transport Policy” and 21 “Trans-European Networks” of the EU accession negotiation process. Discussions focused on maritime policy priorities, institutional responsibilities, and development plans.
During the study visit, the participants visited the General Maritime Directorate and the Durrës Port Authority. Representatives of the Ukrainian delegation specifically discussed the role of the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community in providing technical assistance to the Republic of Albania in the field of maritime transport; insurance of maritime safety and security in the Republic of Albania (policy formulation and implementation, enforcement of maritime security requirements); implementation of the requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978; role and primary powers of the General Maritime Directorate in ensuring safety; role and primary powers of classification societies recognized in the Republic of Albania; current state of port infrastructure development in the Port of Durrës; new multimodal port in Porto Romano; activities of the Centre of Excellence in Maritime Affairs – a project operating in the fields of maritime transport, port logistics, and maritime standards in the Republic of Albania; insurance of maritime security in ports in accordance with international and European standards; implementation of digital solutions for port operations at the Port of Durrës.
In the course of the visit, the Ukrainian delegation had the opportunity to get acquainted with the work of MBM Port, located in Porto Romano, Durrës, as well as the container terminal and ferry complexes of the Port of Durrës.
The representatives of Ukraine presented the status of the formulation and implementation of state policy in the maritime transport sector, ensuring maritime safety and security in Ukraine, implementation and enforcement of key international and European legislative acts, which facilitated a mutual sharing of experience.
Gratitude was expressed to the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community for their significant contribution and comprehensive support in reforming Ukraine's maritime transport sector and aligning Ukrainian legislation with European Union law.
