Target for Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic System Project in TRNC is 2026

Speaking at the 3rd Turkey Maritime Summit, Minister Uraloğlu highlighted the significance of the Cabotage Law, which came into effect on July 1, 1926, marking the end of foreign states' dominance in Turkish maritime trade.

Minister Uraloğlu emphasized the importance of Maritime and Cabotage Day, celebrated with enthusiasm yesterday, as a testament to the Turkish nation's commitment to its seas, known as the 'Blue Homeland.'

"PLANS TO IMPLEMENT VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM PROJECT IN TRNC BY 2026"

Abdulkadir Uraloğlu reiterated Turkey's commitment to enhancing its presence in the Eastern Mediterranean by launching the Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic Services System Project in TRNC. He stated, "We plan to implement our project by 2026."

"SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCE TURKEY AND TRNC'S SOVEREIGNTY IN THE BLUE HOMELAND"

Highlighting that the completion of the project will significantly enhance both Turkey and TRNC's sovereignty in the Blue Homeland, Minister Uraloğlu also announced plans to launch the Marmara Vessel Traffic Services System project next year.

He emphasized that every step taken to protect the environment and seas contributes to leaving a safer world for future generations. Minister Uraloğlu stated that the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure continues to invest vigorously in enhancing maritime safety, life and property security, and environmental security.

Minister Uraloğlu also discussed plans to introduce a "Vessel Emission Fee" for ships entering ports and ensure that this fee supports Turkish-flagged vessels as part of maritime green transformation efforts. He mentioned that they plan for the relevant law to be enacted this month. Additionally, he highlighted ongoing efforts to update the Green Port practices within our port facilities to reduce emission releases. He further shared that their project, "Support for Decarbonization and Green Maritime Transport in Shipping," has been accepted by the European Commission, with mechanisms to secure €20 million in grants and €50 million in long-term, low-cost loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the sector.

Minister Uraloğlu also announced the near-completion of digitizing the navigation permit application process for sea tourism vehicles departing from marinas to streamline operations and reduce bureaucracy. He expressed plans to launch the system this month, allowing thousands of citizens to complete these procedures online without visiting port authorities.

"UPDATED MARITIME INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR VESSEL CREWS"

Minister Uraloğlu highlighted that Turkey has updated the Maritime Information System for vessel crews, enabling faster and more systematic processing of all maritime operations. He stated that applications are now processed within an average of 3 days, allowing citizens to apply and track their procedures through e-Government integration from anywhere in the world, even while on duty aboard ships. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to support amateur sailors.

"DEVELOPMENT WAY PROJECT IS ALSO CRUCIAL FOR THE EVOLUTION OF GLOBAL TRADE"

Discussing the transformational challenges facing the maritime sector due to global reasons such as the Russia-Ukraine War, Israel's occupation of Gaza, and attacks on ships in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, Minister Uraloğlu underscored Turkey's role as the strongest and most stable country in the region, situated at the intersection of North-South and East-West logistics corridors. He highlighted the significance of the "Development Way Project," signed on April 22 between Turkey, Iraq, Qatar, and the UAE, as a crucial initiative for the evolution of global trade.

He elaborated that the shipping route starting from China and extending to Europe through the Middle East's Faw Port in Iraq, constructed within the Development Way, could potentially expand first to Turkey and then to Europe. This route also offers a significant alternative to the Belt and Road Initiative by using sea routes from Chinese and Indian ports through the Suez Canal to reach Europe via the Mediterranean.

Minister Uraloğlu concluded by reaffirming Turkey's commitment to advancing its maritime capabilities and ensuring sustainable development in global maritime trade through strategic projects and initiatives.

Source: TAK