Albania at the Heart of Mediterranean Yachting: Assomarinas Leads the First Day of the Balkans Blue Economy Summit

Marina Orikum (Vlora), October 16, 2026 – The Balkans Blue Economy Summit will open on October 16 at 2:30 PM at the scenic Marina Orikum. This prestigious three-day event of deep-dive discussions and networking is held as part of the Balkans Sea Fair (BSF), the only boat-show-expo-b2b and summit dedicated entirely to the Blue Economy in Albania.

This event carries significant strategic value, confirmed by the prestigious Patronage of MIMIT (Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy), which underlines the institutional importance of promoting industrial, infrastructural, and commercial synergies between Italy, Albania, and the broader Adriatic-Ionian region.

"The Future Role of Albania in the Mediterranean Marina Market"

The opening day of the Summit will be curated and presented by Assomarinas (Italian Marina Association), an international point of reference for the development of nautical reception facilities. The international conference, titled "The Future Role of Albania in the Mediterranean Marina Market", will address the challenges and opportunities surrounding the rapid expansion of Albania's port and marina network in the Mediterranean context.

The proceedings will be introduced and moderated by leaders from prominent European associations and research bodies in the nautical sector:

• Roberto Perocchio – President of Assomarinas
• Ana Calic – Representative of EBI (European Boating Industry)
• Francesco Di Cesare – Adriatic Sea Forum
• Fiorenzo Lupieri – SMIA (Slovenian Marine Industry Association)

Sustainability, Engineering, and Design: Key Topics

The technical session will feature international experts and professionals presenting the latest technological, architectural, and sustainability innovations for future marinas:

• Tommaso Tommasi (Studio Architettura Tommasi, MIMIT Consultant) will present new architectural visions for the sustainable design of ports and marinas across the Adriatic and Mediterranean
• Heiner Haas (Planner) will analyze perspectives for nautical tourism development in Albania
• Udo Kleinitz (Amorim) will discuss integrating eco-responsible materials into the marine industry
• Roberto Zago (INGEMAR) will delve into the engineering and technological evolution of floating structures
• Andrea Cuoghi (ASCOM) will highlight emerging trends and innovations in shipyard equipment

Institutions and Territory in Dialogue

Enriching the debate will be key local institutions and maritime authorities outlining the country's coastal development strategy. Participants include representatives from the Municipalities of Lezha, Durrës, Vlora, Lushnje, and Saranda, alongside the Port Authorities of Durrës and Vlora, and managers of the country's main marina facilities: Marina Orikum, Marina Limion, and Marina Vlore.

BSF: The New Nautical Hub in the Balkans

With this inaugural day hosted by Assomarinas, the Balkans Sea Fair reaffirms its role as the premier B2B platform directly connecting investors, shipyards, marine suppliers, and institutions. It serves as an ideal bridge driving Albania's sustainable growth as a new destination of excellence in Mediterranean yachting.

📍 Where & When:

• Event: Balkans Blue Economy Summit – Day 1 (BSF 2026)
• Date: October 16, 2026 – 2:30 PM
• Location: Marina Orikum, Vlora (Albania)
• Info & Inquiries: info@bsfalbania.com | info@marinas.it
• Full Program & Summit Details: https://bsfalbania.com/blue-economy-summit/