Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu Shared Important Details in His Statements on Maritime Safety
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, in his statements on maritime safety and ship traffic, emphasized Turkey’s successful steps at sea. Minister Uraloğlu stated that the seas are monitored 24/7 with 16 traffic observation stations in the Bosphorus and Çanakkale Straits through the Turkish Straits Ship Traffic Services Centers.
Minister Uraloğlu drew attention to the ship traffic in the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles, stating that 44,892 ships carried 550 million tons of cargo in the Dardanelles in 2023, and 185 million tons of this cargo was hazardous cargo. He also stated that 39,000 ships carried 416 million tons of cargo in the Bosphorus in 2023, and approximately 165 million tons of this cargo was hazardous cargo, including oil.
Minister Uraloğlu, who also touched upon investments made in maritime safety, announced that they continued to strengthen the General Directorate of Coastal Safety and that the signatures were signed for the investment to produce 4 tug fleetboats and 6 pilot boats domestically in Turkish shipyards. He also stated that steps were taken to develop national software and technology with the Turkish Straits Ship Traffic Services System Upgrade Project.
Minister Uraloğlu’s Important Statements on Maritime Safety
- It was stated that the seas are constantly monitored and managed by the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite-assisted search and rescue system and advanced communication systems.
- Attention was drawn to the density of ship traffic with operation centers established in the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles.
- It was shared that the pilotage rate in the Bosphorus, which was 40 percent in 2003, increased to 65 percent in 2023.
- It was announced that 44 thousand 892 ships will carry 550 million tons of cargo in the Dardanelles in 2023 and 185 million tons of this will be hazardous cargo.
- Detailed information was shared about the increases in escort services provided to ships passing through the Turkish Straits.
| Throat | Annual Ship Movement | Total Load Carrying |
|---|---|---|
| Bosphorus | 39 thousand | 416 million tons |
| Hellespont | 44 thousand 892 | 550 million tons |
Minister Uraloğlu’s statements shared important information about Turkey’s successful work and future goals in maritime safety and ship traffic.
