Three vessel traffic monitoring stations in Northern Cyprus are complete, enhancing maritime safety and Turkey's presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.
As part of the Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic Services Project, it has been reported that the construction works of vessel traffic monitoring stations located in three different locations in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have been completed.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu provided information regarding the Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Project in a written statement.
Uraloğlu stated that the initial acceptances within the framework of the system to be established in the TRNC have been carried out, saying, 'We have completed the construction works of the vessel traffic monitoring stations located in three different locations in the TRNC as part of the Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic Services Project, and we have completed the factory acceptance tests for the system software. We continue our hardware procurement and software development efforts, and we aim to put the system into service in the second half of 2026.'
Turkey's activity in the Eastern Mediterranean will increase.
Uraloğlu emphasized that with the Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic Services Project, Turkey will increase its effectiveness in the Eastern Mediterranean and that the country's interests will be protected in the 'Blue Homeland.' He pointed out that this will enable monitoring of maritime traffic in the maritime area between the TRNC's surrounding seas and Turkey, emphasizing that the project will provide technological independence by nationalizing all infrastructure with software developed entirely domestically.
Uraloğlu noted that within the framework of the project, which is carried out by the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs and contracted to HAVELSAN, the establishment works of the Vessel Traffic Services Center in Gazimağusa are ongoing, while the construction works of the Traffic Monitoring Stations (TGI) in Karpaz, Sadrazamköy, and Çayırova have been completed. He made the following evaluations:
'The system to be established will integrate data from the Automatic Identification System (AIS) located in Selvitepe with AIS and radar data from Kantara. In the Mersin Vessel Traffic Services Center, we will carry out remote backup and console installation. Using radars, cameras, communication equipment, Automatic Identification Systems, and all the capabilities of modern technology at the Traffic Monitoring Stations, we will be able to conduct uninterrupted monitoring 24 hours a day. Thus, any vessel falling within the scope of vessel traffic services can be detected instantly, and information will be transmitted immediately to both the center to be established in the TRNC and the Mersin Vessel Traffic Services Center established in our country.'
The establishment of the center in the TRNC is nearing completion.
Uraloğlu reported that they are nearing the end of the establishment of the center in the TRNC. Highlighting the benefits that the system will provide, Uraloğlu stated:
'We will be able to carry out processes such as vessel identification, uninterrupted monitoring and regulation of vessel traffic, transmission of navigation information and general alerts to vessels, control management of special areas, contribution to the prevention of smuggling, making danger alerts, informing relevant parties in emergencies such as accidents and fires, and sharing meteorological data with vessels when necessary through these systems.'
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
