Durres spat intensifies

EMS APO said that staff members from three rival stevedoring companies occupied its terminal over the last few days and apparently the pier was blockaded by an unauthorised vessel causing the operator to cease all activities.

The operator said it informed the port director immediately about the illegal action and asked for the police intervention, but so far nothing has happened.

“We are extremely worried about the events at our terminal,” said Manfred Müller, managing director of EMS APO.

“Actions like these threaten the health and lives of staff members. A port terminal is a dangerous working area. Using staff members as instruments is unacceptable. It is outrageous that the port authority is doing nothing about the illegal occupation of our terminal. We see this as an orchestrated attempt to squeeze EMS APO out of business.”

He added: “The latest statement from the Albanian Maritime Directorate makes it perfectly clear that we are working on a lawful basis. The behaviour of the Durres Port Authority counteracts all attempts to bring much needed foreign investments to Albania.”

For more than a year now EMS APO said it has been the target of constant obstructions by rival companies.

Albanian ministerial officials have acknowledged EMS APO’s status as a certified stevedoring company. But Mr Müller said this hasn’t stopped the rival companies and the terminal is currently still occupied.