Spill Notification Point

Competent National Authority

Response Arrangements

A legal act relating to a national contingency plan and national system for accidental marine pollution, preparedness and response was adopted in July 1993. An operational plan is being prepared under the guidance of the Minister of Defence, as the chairman of the National Committee for preparedness and response. This committee involves various directorates: Fisheries; Customs; Sea Transport; the Navy & ALBPETROL, the national oil company. Foreign advice is being provided through UNEP, IMO and REMPEC.

Responsibility has been divided between four districts, Durres, Vlore, Sarande and Shengjin. In the event of a pollution incident, the Harbourmasters of the affected district would organise any required at sea response. Any on-shore clean-up would be provided through the local mayors. Co-ordination at the central level would be centred at the Central Response Headquarters under the command of the Albanian Navy.

Ports, local authorities and oil industry and encouraged to establish local contingency plans coordinated with the national plan.

Response Policy

There is, as yet, no defined response policy nor any policy on the use of dispersants, although the "Guidelines for the use of Dispersants" published by REMPEC would probably be utilised.

Equipment

There is no known specialised pollution equipment in Albania.  A cleaning and garbage reception service operates in the port of Durres.

Previous Spill Experience

There have been no significant incidents in Albanian waters.

Compensation

* not yet in force 

Regional & Bilateral Agreements

• Barcelona Convention (with states bordering the Mediterranean)

For further information see REMPEC (Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea) Country Profile 

Date of issue: August 2010