Preparatory work for the Cruise and Yacht Port Project, carried out under the coordination of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure in Sinop, is ongoing. While drilling operations continue in the Inner Harbor area, the project will significantly enhance Sinop's role in maritime tourism.

With its natural harbor, 175-kilometer coastline, and bays like Hamsilos, Akliman, and Abalı, Sinop holds great potential for yacht tourism. The new port aims to strengthen the technical and logistical infrastructure for cruise ships, enabling the city to capture a larger share of Black Sea routes.

Capable of Serving Three Large Cruise Ships

The project is designed to encompass yacht tourism and large-scale cruise traffic. The port will offer mooring capacity for 202 small yachts and seven mega yachts up to 30 meters.

The facility's back area is determined to be 33,375 square meters, with a maintenance area of 4,950 square meters. The cruise section will be able to serve two passenger ships of 200 meters and one of 300 meters in length.

Sinop Governor Mustafa Özarslan stated that with the completion of the project, the city will enter a new phase in tourism. Özarslan noted that the investment would be a first for the Black Sea.

Sinop's 175-Kilometer Coastline to Open Up for Yacht Tourism

Governor Özarslan emphasized that the project's impact would not be limited to the port in central Sinop. He pointed out that the province's natural bays hold great potential for yacht tourism.

Özarslan said, “With this project, Sinop will also become a marina city and move to an upper trend. Additionally, as Sinop, we have a 175-kilometer coastline in our Black Sea Region. These bays are very important for yacht tourism. As you know, we have 8-10 natural bays like Hamsilos, Akliman, and Abalı.” The Governor also stated that the city's archaeological richness constitutes a significant advantage for tourism.

The combination of Sinop's natural and cultural resources with marina infrastructure could make the city a stronger destination for yacht owners and tour operators seeking new routes in the Black Sea.

Port to Also Be a Social Living Space

The new facility is not merely envisioned as a transportation infrastructure where boats moor and cruise ships dock. The project will also include restaurants, cafes, entertainment areas, and social spaces for public use.

Özarslan expressed that the port would integrate with city life, stating, “This will also be a public space. There will be service units here where our people can socialize, eat, play, and interact.”

AK Party Sinop Deputy Nazım Maviş also stated that social living spaces are planned within the project. Maviş said, “A social living space is being planned with its restaurants, cafes, playgrounds, entertainment areas, and facilities for spending social time.”

Infrastructure Gap in Cruise Tourism to Be Addressed

Despite being a frequent stop for cruise ships, Sinop has not been able to fully benefit from this market due to the limited existing technical and logistical facilities.

Maviş commented, “Although Sinop is an important province for cruise tourism, and cruise ships visit from time to time, unfortunately, we cannot adequately benefit from this tourism because our logistical and technical support here is not sufficient or strong enough.”

With the completion of the new port, the aim is to overcome the capacity issue. Maviş stated that the facility would provide “an area where one cruise ship over 300 meters and two cruise ships over 200 meters can anchor and dock.”

New Hub Targeted for Black Sea Tourism

The investment in Sinop is important for diversifying cruise and yacht tourism, which is concentrated in the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Istanbul in Turkey, towards the Black Sea.

With its natural harbor, bays, historical fabric, and archaeological heritage, Sinop aims to achieve a stronger position on Black Sea cruise and yacht routes after the completion of the new infrastructure. Image: © AA