Trabzon-Sochi Ferry Services Resume after 14 Years
After a 14-year break, ferry services connecting Türkiye’s northern port city of Trabzon and Russia’s Black Sea resort of Sochi have officially restarted. On November 5, the ferry Seabridge, operated by Turkish maritime company Lider Line, set off from Trabzon Port on its inaugural voyage.
Details of the New Service
- The ferry has a capacity for 450 passengers and 200 vehicles.
- The journey takes approximately 12 hours.
- The route aims to revive regional tourism and strengthen commerce between the two countries.
Reactions and Expectations
“We’re thrilled to be operating the first Trabzon-Sochi voyage after so many years. Interest has been overwhelming, not just from across Türkiye, but also neighboring countries like Greece, Bulgaria and Romania.” – Mustafa Çakır, Lider Line’s agency and ship operations manager
Among the first passengers was dual citizen Aydın Köksal, originally from Trabzon and now living in Sochi. He shared:
“We used to travel through Georgia or fly to Istanbul to reach Türkiye. So, this is a fantastic development.”
Importance for the Region
Erkut Çelebi, President of the Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the historic significance of the route:
“The Trabzon-Sochi line was especially busy between the 1990s and early 2000s but faced restrictions after logistical challenges during the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Restarting these sailings is crucial for tourism.”
The ferry service is expected to reconnect communities and enhance bilateral relations, with strong demand anticipated during summer and school vacation periods.
Summary: The revival of the Trabzon-Sochi ferry service after 14 years marks a significant step in boosting regional tourism and fostering stronger ties between Türkiye and Russia.