AF MIA Inauguration

AF MIA," which represents a significant step forward in the maritime transport sector on the Italy - Albania route. The inaugural event took place this morning aboard the new Cruise Ferry, in the port of Durres where a press conference was held in the presence of high-profile institutional representatives.

"Over the past thirty years, our fleet has evolved," says CEO Alberto Rossi. "From Michela, then Claudia Prima, Francesca, and Marina. From there, there was a real change in direction; we launched a challenge, a bet, by introducing the new Michela, twin of the new Claudia, a real paradigm shift. And now we've arrived at today. Our project was clear; we knew the market wanted a ship like the one we're on right now. We searched long for it, and in the end, we found it. AF Mia is the most beautiful ship for Albania, hands down. From a technical standpoint, it interprets what the market demands. It's not too geared towards passenger service nor towards freight traffic, yet it satisfies both needs. With a speed of 25 knots, 4 engines, 60,000 horsepower, not to mention an environmental impact five times lower than the limit set by international standards. With these characteristics, we meet a need that emerged just last summer when Albania emerged as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the Mediterranean."

Also aboard Mia was Adria Ferries President Mauro Maia, representing the fund that entered the company's capital with a minority stake: "Adria Ferries is an important investment for Banca Intesa. Since the beginning of our journey together, we have trusted in the abilities of entrepreneur Alberto Rossi. Today, the ship Mia is perfect, polished, completely different from its state at the time of purchase. I thank the Captain, who has worked fruitfully and tirelessly over the past two months: the effort of the people is evident in the quality of the results."

Playing host was the mayor of Durres, Emiriana Sako: "Adria Ferries' investment comes after this year's tourist boom, but it has been planned long-term even before. Significant investments are being made in maritime infrastructure, such as the Marina Turistica planned for 2024. Last year we had over one and a half million visitors pass through Durres; that's why we are collaborating with private enterprise as in the case of Adria Ferries, which has been present in our country for 20 years. The business has been successful and demonstrates the strengthening of relations between Italy and Albania, thanks to routes from Bari and Ancona to Durres and vice versa."

Delina Ibrahimaj, Minister for Entrepreneurship, also speaks about investments: "We are investing on both fronts, that of trade and that of passenger service. The port of Durres will be the gateway to Europe, with the aim of facilitating connection for Albania and the countries of the region. We must support each other to create functional infrastructure. Durres is crucial for Albania, with passenger transit accounting for 50% and more than half of the country's commercial volume. It's no longer a gamble, and Mia is a successful investment, the same success we want for Albania."

The importance of the Italy-Albania connection was emphasized by Luigi Mattirolo, Vice Ambassador of Italy to Tirana: "There are more than 700,000 Albanians in Italy who regularly return to their country of origin. The relations between the two states are unique; no other nation has such close ties between peoples and economies. Just think that a third of Albania's foreign trade is covered by Italy. This special bond has been made possible precisely by entities like Adria Ferries. As the Embassy of the Italian State, we have always stood by the private sector and will continue to make a decisive contribution in the years to come."

After leaving Durres, Mia returned to Ancona where it was officially unveiled to the Italian media during the traditional Christmas Party organized by Frittelli Maritime Group, held this year on December 11th aboard the ship.