Severe storms reveal Turkey's high marina costs, prompting urgent calls for reform from industry leaders to protect vessels and sailors.
Recent severe storms have reignited discussions about the high marina costs and chronic issues within Turkey's maritime sector. Tumay Gören, President of the Anadolu Maritime Yacht and Sailing Club, emphasized that exorbitant port fees are a major factor contributing to the sinking of numerous vessels during the storm, urging authorities to take action.
According to Gören, port tariffs in Turkey have consistently risen in euro terms over the past five years, reaching an unbearable level for sailors. He noted that due to the inaccessible costs of ports, boats cannot seek refuge in safe areas. Prices in neighboring Greece are 90% more reasonable compared to Turkey, leading Turkish-flagged vessels to head towards neighboring waters instead of their own coasts.
Gören stated, 'Ports in the Greek government charge one-tenth of Turkey's prices, forcing many of our boats to seek shelter in Greek ports. Additionally, there is pressure from the blue card system on amateur sailors that needs to be lifted. No boat can freely navigate in Turkey, which is why they are compelled to go to Greek waters in the Aegean Sea. I believe this issue needs to be addressed urgently.'
He pointed out that the fee differences between ports can sometimes reach tenfold, arguing that this situation forces sailors abroad out of necessity. Gören expressed that the losses of vessels during the recent storm are a bitter consequence of these economic pressures.
Source: www.denizhaber.com
