Transport Ministry warns against prioritizing containers over trucks on Ro-Ro lines, impacting foreign trade and exports.
The General Directorate of Maritime Affairs of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure sent a warning letter to relevant institutions and organizations regarding the prioritization of container cargo over truck transport on Ro-Ro lines, stating that this practice disrupts foreign trade. The letter indicated that permissions granted could be limited if necessary.
In the ministry's letter, it was emphasized that trucks have been forced to wait for extended periods, particularly on routes heavily used by exporters. Referring to the application made by the Kayseri Chamber of Commerce, it was stated that the prioritization of container transportation on Ro-Ro vessels has led to delays for land vehicles in ports, which in turn has caused disruptions in export processes.
Container share in exports is 10%.
In the General Directorate's investigations, it was found that by including 20 and 40 TEU containers and container-carrying trailers in the transports made by Ro-Ro/cargo vessels from Mersin Port, the closest departure point to Kayseri for regular services, the container ratio in exports reached approximately 10% by the year 2025.
Policy: Shifting road cargo to sea.
The letter highlighted that container-carrying trailers fill a significant portion of the Ro-Ro vessel capacity in both imports and exports across Turkey, reminding that the ministry's primary goal is to transfer road cargo to maritime transport.
It was noted in the letter that emphasizing container transportation on Ro-Ro vessels contradicts this strategy, stating:
"It is understood that prioritizing container transportation on Ro-Ro vessels may lead to grievances, and our authority to impose restrictions on the permissions we grant can be utilized if necessary."
The ministry signaled that if the need for regulation continues, steps may be taken to prioritize truck transportation on Ro-Ro lines.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
