Port of Durres is the main port of Albania and the only one handling containers. Initially it could only handle 500–800 TEU per year, and since then, containers have taken over general cargo.
At this point, the port is handling around 100,000 TEU per year. Approx 603,000t of cargo and 770,800 passengers are handled annually.
Durres port is the main gateway of Albania and serves 79% of Albanian imports and 88% of exports, where more than 85% of the seaborne cargoes go through this port.
Metrici Container Code reading
LPR reading
LPR camera placement
Container Code view
Since this port is very new in containers handling operations, and the container traffic forecast is optimistic, there are a number of issues that were considered when Metrici was approached to monitor traffic inside the premises.
Our partners from Albascan called Metrici to find together a solution for improving workflow and security.
Port of Durres represents the main interface of the Albanian intermodal trade and serves as the gateway of Albania. Being just 40 km from the capital, Durres port has a very strategic position regarding the integrated European transport corridors, making cargoes and passengers move easily to the center of European continent.
As the traffic grew and will continue, so the port handlers needed to adapt and expand. Metrici was called in for its AI projects. Several Metrici solutions are used on the access routes and terminals in the Durres port.
Barix status and interface
Enclosed detections
Process Overview · Step by Step
The truck access process in the port is managed through a sequence of Metrici engines that coordinate Container Code Recognition, license plate reading, and traffic control. The system ensures accurate identification.
A Metrici Line Counter Engine detects the presence of a truck on the access road. This detection triggers the start of the recognition process.
Once activated, the CCR engine begins scanning for container codes. The search interval is approximately 30 seconds, accounting for variable truck speeds and unpredictable code placement — sides or top of the container. Multiple CCR engines operate simultaneously to increase detection accuracy.
As the truck moves forward, PPD engines confirm when it reaches the designated position. An LPR engine captures and reads the truck's license plate. The traffic light switches to red, ensuring the truck remains stationary during the process.
The license plate number is linked in the database with the previously detected container code. This ensures that both readings are tied to the same truck for tracking and verification.
While PPD engines are still processing, Metrici prevents the barrier from opening for another truck. Once the current truck clears the area, the system allows the next truck to proceed and the first barrier is lifted.
Automated detection and recognition of both container codes and license plates. Traffic light integration. Database association. Barrier control logic preventing multiple trucks from entering simultaneously.
Detection and reports
Metrici CCR in port Dures
The system delivered tangible operational gains across the entire truck access and container tracking lifecycle.
Automated detection sequences remove manual bottlenecks at port access points, reducing wait times significantly.
Automated matching of container codes and license plates eliminates manual data entry errors in port records.
Traffic light integration and barrier control logic ensure orderly, safe vehicle movement through terminal access points.
Port logistics management is backed by a full database of which truck transported which container and how long it stayed.
The authorities as well as the private operator for the terminals wanted to know which truck transported which container and how long it stayed on load or inside the terminal. This will better improve efficiency in the future.
All events are sent to a centralized operation center and management software. Besides that, the administrator has full access to Metrici Interface and all its statistics, reports and events. Alerts and blacklists can also be created independently in the Interface for alarms when certain License plates or container codes are detected.
Similar installations are used in some other Metrici projects, where also the drivers are guided to truck loading stations using Metrici LED Displays and showing information about which turn to take and where to go. This could be the case in the future at this installation also.
