A cargo ship loaded with 2,100 tons of industrial waste, suspected of containing toxic materials, is expected to arrive at the port of Durrës, Albania, after a prolonged journey. Originally departing from Albania in July with the intended destination of Thailand, the shipment—believed to consist of metallurgical chimney ash waste—was ultimately refused entry by Thai authorities following a warning from the U.S.-based non-governmental organization, the Basel Action Network (BAN), headquartered in Seattle. With the matter currently under investigation, Albanian authorities have stated that the decision on how to handle the situation will rest with the Prosecution Office.
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After a three-month voyage reaching as far as Southeast Asia, the containers—carrying what is suspected to be toxic dust from industrial chimneys—are now en route back to Albania from Gioia Tauro, Italy. This hazardous material, known as EAF (Electric Arc Furnace) dust, contains high levels of metals such as lead and chromium, as well as other potentially carcinogenic substances, local media say.
The Origins of the Waste and Regulatory Concerns
The shipment in question left Albania in July, facilitated by an export agreement between the Albanian company "Sokolaj," which purchased the waste from Kurum, a steel and iron producer at the former metallurgical plant site in Elbasan. BAN raised concerns over the hazardous nature of this material after receiving reports from Albania, though the Sokolaj company did not declare it as hazardous waste when it was initially stored in an open area at the Durrës port prior to loading.
This case is under dual investigation—by the Durrës Prosecutor’s Office and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) in Brussels. BAN's alert prompted Thailand, the intended destination, to reject the containers, and officials announced that the shipment would be redirected to Albania.
Government Response and Potential Actions
In August, the Albanian Ministry of Infrastructure and Ministry of Environment issued a joint statement emphasizing that Albania cannot accept the return of such shipments based solely on suspicions or speculations without conducting exhaustive analyses and obtaining legally verifiable evidence. It remains unclear how Albanian authorities will proceed with the ship’s expected arrival in Durrës tomorrow. According to Albanian authorities contacted by Voice of America, procedural actions will be determined by the Prosecution Office since the case is still under investigation.
BAN has called for a public examination of the containers in the presence of independent groups such as BAN itself. BAN's Executive Director, Jim Puckett, stated, “The containers should be opened publicly, with samples analyzed in parallel by different laboratories.”
Public Outcry and Environmental Protests
The case has sparked significant public concern in Albania. Today, the opposition Democratic Party held a protest at the entrance of the Durrës Port, attended by environmental experts. Democratic Party MP Oerd Bylykbashi held the Albanian government accountable, stating, “No one knows what is happening with these toxic wastes that will poison the lives of our citizens and children. No one should try to frame this as a private transaction. Responsibility belongs to those in power.”
Environmental activists echoed concerns over the cargo's potential risks, calling for its rejection until a thorough assessment confirms its contents.
The situation highlights the pressing need for transparency and rigorous environmental safeguards in Albania, particularly in managing hazardous waste. With international attention now focused on Albania’s handling of the shipment, authorities are under scrutiny to balance public safety with legal due diligence.