In recent developments, environmental advocacy groups have expressed grave concerns over Albania’s apparent inaction and lack of transparency regarding 102 containers potentially loaded with hazardous waste.
Positioned in Porto Romano, a mere 6 kilometers from the Durres port, these containers are awaiting a thorough examination by Albanian authorities, who plan to conduct necessary laboratory tests to determine their contents.
Last August, the Basel Action Network (BAN), based in Seattle, brought these containers to Albania’s attention. The alert stemmed from a whistleblower’s claim that the containers, reportedly, were loaded with approximately 2,100 tons of highly toxic dust derived from pollution control apparatus within the steel industry.
BAN, in conjunction with local environmental group Milieukontakt Albania, has openly criticized the government for its noticeable silence and stagnation concerning this matter. Both organizations highlighted the absence of any discernible actions or updates from Albania’s administrative entities or the Durres prosecutor’s office.
Attempts to obtain a statement from government offices have not yet received a reply.
Originally departing from Durres on July 4, 2024, aboard two vessels chartered by Maersk, the containers were bound for Thailand. BAN subsequently informed multiple countries along the shipment’s transit path.
However, Thailand refused to accept the controversial shipment, escalating the situation further by urging authorities in Singapore to intercept it. The vessels proceeded to dock at a Turkish port, from which the containers were transferred to the Turkish-flagged Moliva XA443A ship. This ship made brief stops, including at the Italian port of Gioia Tauro, prior to reaching Albania, as reported by BAN.
Documentation accompanying the containers reportedly listed their contents as iron oxide, raising additional suspicions. Preliminary reports within Albania suggest that the containers might actually house toxic dust collected from steel furnace filters, procured from both an unidentified Albanian firm and possibly smuggled from locations such as Kosovo and Germany.
BAN’s Jim Puckett emphasized the critical nature of acting upon this issue, citing international treaties that mandate criminal sanctions for illegal hazardous waste trafficking. “We are not even sure that the samples have been taken and the analysis begun,” Puckett expressed, underscoring the severity of the situation and the necessity for legal accountability.
The environmental groups are urging the Albanian authorities to actively engage and resolve the potential environmental and legal ramifications posed by these containers.
