Tirana, October 28 (Albania Journal) – Albania is taking steps to align its port state control standards with international requirements as part of its European Union integration process and preparations for membership in the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (Paris MoU) on Port State Control.
Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enkelejda Muça presented a draft law on the adoption of amendments to the Paris MoU, agreed on May 30, 2025, before the Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs.
The memorandum was originally signed in Paris on January 26, 1982. Albania joined the agreement through Law No. 9852, dated December 26, 2007.
Muça said the proposed amendments aim to update and improve the standards governing port state control of ships in Albania, bringing the country’s legal framework into line with international criteria and requirements.
“Albania aims to improve the standards governing port state control of ships in the Republic of Albania. The country joined the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control in 2007. Through this draft law, we now seek to update the relevant framework and improve the standards governing the technical inspection of ships, as well as the criteria that vessels sailing to and anchoring in Albanian ports must meet,” Muça said.
“These standards relate not only to the condition of ships but also to their technical safety, navigational safety, and the requirements for protecting the lives and working conditions of crews in Albanian ports,” she added.
According to Muça, aligning national regulations with international standards will improve the capabilities of Albanian authorities responsible for port inspections. It will also help them enforce the criteria established by international conventions, particularly those concerning navigational safety and the protection of life at sea.
She stressed that Albania must prepare to meet the requirements applied by countries implementing these international standards.
EU accession and maritime safety
Muça described the initiative as an important step in Albania’s European Union accession negotiations, particularly under Chapter 14, which covers transport.
One of the key objectives is to prepare Albania for membership in the Paris MoU by aligning its legislation and port state control practices with the organisation’s standards and procedures.
“This is an important objective within the framework of the Republic of Albania’s European Union accession negotiations, particularly under Chapter 14, which concerns transport. One of the commitments undertaken in this process is to prepare Albania for membership in the Paris Memorandum of Understanding, an organisation whose framework establishes standards and procedures for port state control,” Muça said.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, in cooperation with the General Maritime Directorate, is working to align national standards with international requirements and prepare the measures necessary to implement the proposed legislation.
“Meeting these criteria is also linked to the objectives and policies of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy in the field of maritime transport. The ministry, in cooperation with the General Maritime Directorate, is working to align port state control standards with international requirements. The aim is for Albania to achieve high standards in this field by strengthening navigational safety and improving the quality of inspections of ships entering Albanian ports,” Muça said.
The deputy minister said updating the standards would improve the quality and safety of maritime transport while strengthening Albania’s role in the Mediterranean region. The initiative is also intended to ensure that vessels calling at Albanian ports meet internationally required criteria.
“This entire effort aims to protect the territory and interests of the Republic of Albania, as well as strengthen the country’s role in the Mediterranean region through the implementation of important and high-quality maritime navigation standards,” she said.
Albania preparing for Paris MoU membership
Muça clarified that the initiative concerns preparations for future membership and does not mean Albania has already fulfilled the conditions for joining the Paris MoU.
She said work was underway to meet the relevant criteria, while potential financial implications and other obligations arising from membership would be assessed as part of the preparatory process.
“Implementing this act represents an important step in the European integration process and in preparing Albania for membership in the Paris Memorandum of Understanding. Albania has not yet reached the stage where it meets the conditions for membership, but it is preparing to fulfil the relevant criteria and the obligations that will arise from this process. Issues related to financial implications and potential membership obligations will be assessed within the framework of the relevant preparations,” Muça added.
The draft law is expected to contribute to Albania’s European integration efforts, standardise port state control procedures and improve the safety and quality of maritime transport.
“This initiative represents progress in the process of integration, standardisation and improving the quality of maritime transport, in the interests of Albania and in fulfilment of its international commitments,” Muça concluded.
