TIRANA, Aug. 19 – American Naval Guards held a five-day visit to the country to check security in Albanian ports.
The team visited Albania Aug. 13-17 and received informed on the implementation of international security steps for ships and port objects (ISPS code) and also to take concrete security steps in the ports.
The Americans visited the port of Durres, Vlora and Shengjin.
The Americans praised the work done by Albanian authorities, though they added much more is needed so that the Albanian ports are considered properly secure based upon international standards.
They suggested additional steps needed to complete port infrastructure, strengthening of ships’ movements, public awareness by the port staff on the security and their regular security training.
The Americans also expressed their continuous readiness to cooperate and support the implementation of international standards of security in Albanian ports.
The Albanian authorities stress that they have improved the legal context and, since January 2006, have also created special forces to assist in security at the ports, also adding security equipment at the ports.