Transit shipping through the Dardanelles Strait has been temporarily halted in both directions due to severe weather conditions, as announced by authorities in Türkiye’s Canakkale province. The Turkish Strait Vessel Traffic Services informed vessel captains via radio that navigation through the strait had been suspended, raising safety concerns amid the storm.
The Dardanelles Strait, or “Canakkale Bogazi” in Turkish, is a crucial natural waterway linking the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara, forming part of an essential international shipping route. The suspension affects “transit passages,” which involve vessels crossing the strait without stopping at local ports. Officials indicated that the restriction would remain in place until weather conditions improve and navigation can be safely resumed.
In addition to international shipping disruptions, local ferry services were also affected. All ferries operating on the Bozcaada-Geyikli and Gokceada-Kabatepe routes were canceled due to the adverse weather. These services typically connect the mainland with nearby Aegean islands, and the cancellations aim to mitigate operational risks amid strong winds and rough seas.
Authorities are actively monitoring the situation and anticipate that transit operations will resume once the storm subsides and safe navigation standards can be ensured.
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