TRNC Ship Traffic System Opens: Eastern Mediterranean Dominance

The opening ceremony for the Vessel Traffic Services System established in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was held.

Within the scope of the Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic Services Project, the opening of the system established in the Gazimağusa district of TRNC was attended by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, TRNC Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı, Turkey's Director General of Maritime Affairs Ünal Baylan, Havelsan General Manager Mehmet Akif Nacar, and Turkish Cypriot Coastal Safety and Ship Salvage Company General Manager Murat Salel.

Minister Arıklı, who delivered the opening speech of the ceremony, stated that the Turkish Cypriot people breathed a sigh of relief with the Cyprus Peace Operation carried out 52 years ago and attained their security and future.

Arıklı stated that they put into service the Vessel Traffic Services System, which has strategic importance for maritime security, and the General Directorate building of the Turkish Cypriot Coastal Safety and Ship Salvage Company.

Arıklı, pointing out that these investments are two important projects that complement each other, commented, "We often saw the TRNC as a small island state, but the reality is very different. We are a state of strategic importance located right in the center of the Eastern Mediterranean. Our significance is much greater than our land area."

Arıklı emphasized that the TRNC is located at the intersection of three continents, at the center of one of the world's most important trade routes, and said, "To dominate our seas, to monitor what is happening around us moment by moment, and to raise our maritime security to the highest level is not a choice for us, but a necessity. Especially for those who have recently dreamed of an Eastern Mediterranean without Turkey and a Cyprus without Turks, we are giving the most comprehensive answer today."

Arıklı stated that thanks to the technologies, traffic surveillance stations, and radar systems, the surrounding seas will be under 24-hour control, and added that the system will enable more effective management of maritime traffic, strengthen navigation safety, accelerate search and rescue operations, and make a significant contribution to preventing illegal activities.

Arıklı underlined that the Coastal Safety and Ship Salvage Company is the guarantor of safety of life and property at sea, and stated that the new service building is as important as the other system.

"Contribution to Preventing Maritime Accidents"

Turkey's Director General of Maritime Affairs Baylan also stated that the Eastern Mediterranean is a strategic geography where international trade routes intersect and which is at the center of Turkey's economic, political, and security policies. Baylan said, "Being strong in this region requires being strong in technology, being able to maintain a presence in the seas, and having infrastructure that meets the requirements of the age."

Baylan emphasized that the national and domestic system, which will raise navigation safety in the Eastern Mediterranean to the highest level and strengthen effectiveness at sea, is not found in many countries, and said that with the steps taken in Turkey, they have reached a strong infrastructure and technical capacity that is shown as an example to the world in maritime safety.

Baylan said, "Thanks to our vision project put into service today, ship movements in the Eastern Mediterranean will be monitored more effectively in real-time, navigation safety will be increased, interventions to potential risks will be much more prepared, and a contribution will be made to preventing maritime accidents."

"Havelsan's Strategic Intellect to Contribute to Protecting Our Interests in Our Blue Homeland"

Havelsan General Manager Nacar also said that they are proud to add another national technology product with the opening. He stated that the Eastern Mediterranean Vessel Traffic Systems, which they brought to the completion stage, are "complementary to strategic intellect."

Nacar stated that they developed the system in question with the strategic decision and cooperation of Turkey and the TRNC, and added the following:

"Maritime traffic safety and efficiency will be ensured in the Eastern Mediterranean. Havelsan's strategic intellect will contribute to protecting our interests in our Blue Homeland. The TRNC will be able to monitor maritime traffic in its surrounding seas and in our country's maritime area. With this continuously operating system, every vessel entering the coverage area can be instantly detected, evaluated, and assessed. Security, coordination, and efficiency in port operations will reach the highest level."

"One of the Most Important Public Institutions in TRNC's Maritime Sector"

Murat Salel, General Manager of the Turkish Cypriot Coastal Safety and Ship Salvage Company, also pointed out the importance of the inaugurated systems in terms of maritime safety, security, and vision. He stated that the company is one of the most important public institutions in the TRNC's maritime sector.

Salel stated that the company successfully carries out many tasks of vital importance for maritime affairs, and provided information about the company's activities.

Salel noted that they have become a self-sufficient entity.