Announced on 22 September 2025, Florence-based studio LUCA DINI Design & Architecture signed an agreement with Albania’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy to develop a maritime strategy. The project aims to position Albania as a sustainable hub in the Mediterranean yachting sector.
The announcement coincided with the second day of the Smart and Sustainable Marinas Rendezvous in Monaco, where the Albanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, gave a keynote address at the opening of the conference.
Albania’s coastline and its position near superyacht destinations in Greece and Montenegro have increased its appeal to international boaters. Expanding tourism and insights from neighbouring Eastern Mediterranean countries are also guiding its maritime strategy.
Called the Maritime Ecosystem, the initiative seeks to establish a network of interconnected marinas along the Albanian coast. The project outlines a 15-year timeframe and aims to strengthen Albania’s competitiveness in the region while encouraging collaboration over competition.
LUCA DINI Design & Architecture believes that without coordination, individual marinas may dilute value by competing against one another. Instead, the Maritime Ecosystem emphasises a coordinated approach that combines tourism, real estate and infrastructure with investment in service facilities such as repair yards, refit stations and modern fuelling systems to accommodate larger vessels and meet international standards.
Environmental sustainability is another central feature of the concept. Distributing activities across several marinas is expected to reduce congestion and pollution while preserving natural resources. Improved intermodal connections that link coastal facilities with inland road, rail and regional networks are also considered vital to establishing Albania as a maritime destination.
The project is aligned with European frameworks such as the Trans-European Transport Network, which promotes integration with continental trade and logistics systems. Through innovation, technology and long-term planning, the project seeks to establish Albania as a yachting hub and as part of a wider Mediterranean maritime network.
LUCA DINI Design & Architecture has built a reputation in superyacht design, urban planning and large-scale masterplans. The firm’s international portfolio includes projects in Saudi Arabia, Dubai and several locations along the Albanian coast.
