Izmir Takes Action for Turkey's First Electric Passenger Ships

Izmir Metropolitan Municipality is preparing to strengthen sea transportation with 6 electric cruise ships. An application was made to the Presidency for Turkey's first electric passenger ships to be included in the investment program.

Mayor of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Tunç SoyerContinuing to work with the goal of zero carbon in 2030 in line with the vision of tackling the climate crisis, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality has rolled up its sleeves for another exemplary investment in Turkey. The feasibility study prepared by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Transportation Department for 6 electric passenger ships was submitted to the Presidential Strategy and Budget Department to be included in the investment program. It was announced that the tender works will start with the inclusion of the project in the investment program.

300 passenger capacity will be

The ships, which will meet all their energy needs from the batteries on them, will have a capacity of 300 passengers and open seating areas. The electric ships, which will have a service speed of 12 knots, will meet their charging needs in Bostanlı and Karşıyaka from the charging stations to be installed on the piers.

50 percent savings

With the addition of electric ships to the fleet, approximately 2,2 million liters of diesel consumption per year and 5 thousand 900 tons of carbon and 80 tons of nitrogen oxide emissions will be prevented. By putting electric passenger ships into service instead of diesel-fueled ships, more than 50 percent savings will be achieved in operating costs.

What has been done for a healthy and clean environment?

Important projects and investments have been implemented since 2019 for a healthy and clean environment. In addition to the establishment of the Climate Change and Environmental Protection Control Department within the municipality, the 'İzmir Green City Action Plan' and the 'Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan' were put into practice. With the Climate Action Plan, it was aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 percent until 40 in İzmir. A Green City Action Plan in line with international standards was prepared for Izmir for the first time in Turkey. The Strategy for Living in Harmony with Nature, which is a summary of these two plans, was announced last year. In order to reduce the effects of the global climate crisis and to build a resilient city, many environmentalist investments have been implemented, from transportation to solid waste facilities, from treatment facilities to eco-parks. The foundations of many exemplary projects for Turkey were laid in order to increase the green infrastructure.

Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, which has implemented its projects with the goal of zero carbon in 2030 against the climate crisis, became the champion of Turkey in the international One Planet City Challenge (OPCC) organized by WWF. He is also the Mayor of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality. Tunç SoyerIn line with the vision of tackling the climate crisis, İzmir was also selected for the Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission from the European Union this year, and had reduced its 2050 zero carbon target to 2030.