Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are reshaping global trade, with Turkish ports seeing increased activity, says Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.
Following the tension in the Strait of Hormuz, global trade routes are changing. Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu stated that the congestion in the region will lead to significant activity in Turkish ports.
The de facto closure and increasing security risks in the Strait of Hormuz, which is the most critical waterway in the Middle East, are shaking global logistics balances. In a statement regarding the issue, Minister Uraloğlu emphasized Turkey's strategic position in this process and the expectations at the ports.
"We Expect an Increase in Cargo at Our Ports"
Minister Uraloğlu noted that the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is directly affecting freight rates and route preferences. He expressed that trade vessels searching for alternatives are redirecting their routes to Turkey, stating, "Due to the congestion in the region, there is an expectation of an increase in cargo at our ports, especially those that are strategically located and neighboring Iran." He emphasized that Turkey's logistics infrastructure is ready to handle this intensity.
Turkish Ships Under Close Monitoring
The Minister also shared data regarding vessels stranded in the region or awaiting passage, stating that the status of approximately 14-15 Turkish-owned ships sailing under different flags is being monitored in real-time. Uraloğlu reported that there have been no attacks on the vessels so far and that the security situation of the personnel is good.
3,000 Vessels Awaiting
It has been reported that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical for global energy transportation, are affecting maritime trade. Minister Uraloğlu indicated that approximately 20% of global oil trade and 30% of LNG and LPG trade passes through this route. He noted that over 3,000 commercial vessels are waiting to transit in the Persian Gulf, adding that this situation has temporarily affected about 4% of global maritime shipping tonnage. It was also mentioned that among the waiting vessels are passenger-carrying cruise ships.
Strategic Move: Alternative Routes
The ministry has also considered land and railway alternatives in response to this instability at sea.
Uraloğlu pointed out that the current developments are increasing the importance of land transportation alternatives and highlighted the strategic value of the Development Road Project.
It was stated that the project aims to reduce dependence on maritime routes by transporting cargo originating from the Persian Gulf to Europe via Turkey. It was noted that the logistical and economic impacts of the project will be evaluated more comprehensively after the process.
WORK ON THE ZANGEZUR CORRIDOR CONTINUES
Uraloğlu also touched upon the ongoing works within the framework of the Zangezur Corridor, announcing that railway infrastructure works have begun on the Kars-Nakhchivan line. It was mentioned that the project aims to provide uninterrupted railway connectivity within the geography of the Turkic States Organization, while negotiations for the main line passing through Armenia are ongoing.
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Source: SeaNews Türkiye
