The number of drivers who prefer sea transportation instead of highway in Izmir increased by 81% in 2021 compared to the previous year. By emphasizing the increasing fuel price hikes in their transportation preferences, Izmir residents said that they saved both fuel and time with sea transportation.
Izmir Metropolitan Municipality continues its works in line with the target of Tunç Soyer, the Mayor of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, to increase the share of sea transportation in the Gulf and to reduce the traffic load in the city. The 7th ferryboat, announced by President Soyer that they will include her in the İZDENİZ fleet, has started her journey in the Gulf. The launch of the Mavi Körfez (Blue Gulf) ferryboat, which started to serve with a capacity of 51 vehicles and 315 passengers, aims to prevent congestion in the vehicle waiting areas by launching two ferries during rush hour.
The rise in fuel prices increased the interest in the ferry
Increasing frequency of voyages and price hikes in fuel increase the interest in maritime transportation day by day. The rise in fuel prices due to the deepening economic crisis led drivers to the ferry. While a total of 761 thousand 140 vehicles were transported by İZDENİZ ferries in 2020, 1 million 379 thousand 546 vehicles were transported by sea with an increase of 81 percent in 2021. Drivers reduced their journey time from Bostanlı to Üçkuyular, which was one hour, to 25 minutes with comfortable transportation, and saved fuel consumption.
Two ferries can sail at the same time
İZDENİZ Inc. Operations Manager Hakan Kurtboğan said, “Since the beginning of 2021, we have been serving with our ferries with a frequency of 15 minutes. We also included the Mavi Ege (Blue Aegean) ferryboat, which we rented in September last year, into the fleet. Now, we have added strength to our fleet with the Mavi Körfez (Blue Gulf) ferryboat we have rented. As a result of the investments, our vehicle transportation figure increased by 81% compared to last year. Our citizens show great interest in sea transportation. With the commissioning of our new ferryboat, we were able to prevent periodical maintenance and repair times and cancellations in case of unexpected breakdowns. By lifting two ferries at the same time during rush hour, we will be able to prevent congestion in the vehicle waiting areas. In this way, our citizens will be able to reach easily during peak hours without waiting for regular departure times. We will be able to launch two ferries from the pier at the same time. We are currently operating 61 reciprocal expeditions on the Bostanlı-Üçkuyular line. In case of demand from our passengers during the summer months, we will be able to move the last expedition times forward on Friday and at the weekend.”
“Saving fuel and time”
Betül Gültekin, one of the drivers who preferred sea transportation instead of road transportation, said, “We were experiencing great difficulties in terms of traffic. On the way from Üçkuyular to Karşıyaka, instead of experiencing the traffic density and stress, the ferryboat always seems safer to me. I can travel peacefully. We have been experiencing difficulties recently with the effect of fuel price hikes. Fuel prices have risen a lot, so I prefer this direction”. Özhan Özgünay said, “I both save time and rest while crossing the opposite shore, I have an enjoyable journey. Gasoline prices also play an active role in my use of ferries.”
“I can find a ferry anytime I want”
Sezen Külahlı, who goes to work every day by ferry, said, “First of all, I evaluate it economically and we are making significant savings. I also consider it as a time. I am a business person, I check my e-mails during my journey, I do my work. It helps in planning my day.”
Selin Ürkmez said, “I can travel without wasting time in traffic. I can find a ferry at any time I want and I can easily cross to the opposite shore.”
What was done to strengthen sea transportation?
To strengthen sea transportation, 2 new ferries have been put into service with an investment of 137 million liras in the last two and a half years. The names of the ferries were determined by the votes of the citizens as Martyr Police Officer Fethi Sekin, whom we lost in the terrorist attack, and as master journalist Uğur Mumcu. The ferry named Mavi Ege (Blue Aegean), which was rented in September 2021, joined the fleet. With the commissioning of the Mavi Körfez (Blue Gulf) ferryboat on January 17, the number of ferries carrying vehicles in the Gulf has increased to 7.
