Turkey's Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic Services Project is now operational, enhancing maritime safety and monitoring capabilities.
The temporary acceptance process of the Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic Services Project developed by HAVELSAN has been successfully completed. The system, which ensures the integrated operation of three monitoring stations established in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the center in Mersin, will contribute to the real-time monitoring of vessel movements in the Eastern Mediterranean and enhance maritime safety.
A significant milestone has been achieved in the Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic Services (DAGTH) Project, which was initiated to strengthen Turkey's capacity to monitor maritime traffic in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The temporary acceptance procedures of the system, developed under the contract signed between the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and HAVELSAN in 2023, were successfully concluded as of October 20, 2026.
With the announcement made to the public on November 8, an important stage has been passed in the integration of Turkey's domestically developed maritime surveillance infrastructure into the vessel traffic services in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Three Monitoring Stations Established at Strategic Points in the TRNC
As part of the project, three separate Traffic Monitoring Stations were established in the Çayırova, Sadrazamköy, and Dipkarpaz regions of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The integration of sensors and subsystems at the stations has been completed, and the vessel traffic services infrastructure in the TRNC has been integrated with the Mersin Vessel Traffic Services Center.
With the system, the identity, route, navigation, and cargo information of vessels entering the coverage area in the Eastern Mediterranean can be monitored simultaneously.
The collected data will be securely transmitted to the TRNC Vessel Traffic Services Center and the Mersin Vessel Traffic Services Center.
Thus, a common maritime traffic picture will be created between the two centers, allowing for more effective tracking of vessel movements.
Real-Time Monitoring Period in Maritime Safety
The domestic vessel traffic system developed by HAVELSAN is designed to detect movements in maritime areas, monitor vessels, and enhance navigation safety.
By consolidating information obtained from different monitoring points into a single system, a more comprehensive assessment of maritime traffic will be possible.
This infrastructure is expected to provide significant contributions, particularly in managing heavy maritime traffic, early identification of potential risks, and improving coordination between relevant centers.
The project also strengthens technical cooperation in the maritime field between Turkey and the TRNC.
TRNC Ports to Be Monitored in Digital Environment
One of the important components of the project is the Integrated Port Management Information System.
With this system, the movements of vessels arriving at and departing from TRNC ports can be tracked in a digital environment.
By monitoring port entries and exits through an electronic system, it aims to enhance operational coordination, accelerate information flow, and increase efficiency in port activities.
Thus, the project encompasses not only the monitoring of vessel movements at sea but also the digitization of port operations.
Temporary Acceptance Process Completed in the Project
Field studies for the Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic Services Project began in 2024.
The temporary acceptance activities, which started on August 17, 2026, were completed on October 20, following an approximately two-month process.
The official opening of the system had previously taken place on July 20, 2026, at the Gazimağusa Vessel Traffic Services Center with the participation of the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.
The completion of the temporary acceptance process is considered an important milestone in terms of the installation and integration of technical systems in the project.
Domestic Maritime Technology in the Eastern Mediterranean
The transfer of Turkey's developed vessel traffic services infrastructure to the Eastern Mediterranean expands the application area of domestic software and system integration capabilities in maritime affairs.
The project carried out by HAVELSAN aims not only to monitor maritime traffic and utilize digital technologies in port management but also to strengthen coordination between the maritime infrastructures of Turkey and the TRNC.
With the completion of the temporary acceptance, an important technical stage has been completed for the integrated tracking of vessel movements in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
