Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu attended the opening ceremony of Izmir Yeni Foça Marina, which has the most environmentally friendly feature with its own purification systems.
Minister Uraloğlu said, “We will transform Izmir into the Capital of Turkey Yacht Tourism with 5 New Marinas. "We increased the number of marinas from 41 to 62," he said.
In his speech at the opening ceremony held in Izmir, Minister Uraloğlu first drew attention to the genocide committed by Israel in Gaza and said that he condemned the attacks with hatred. Uraloğlu said, “I would like to start by condemning with violence and hatred the inhumane attacks carried out by Israel in Gaza, which martyred thousands of our Palestinian brothers, most of whom were babies, children and innocent civilians. The cruelty inflicted on the oppressed Palestinian people in Gaza, who have been turned into an open prison under an unjust siege, isolated from the world and left to die, is heartbreaking. However, unfortunately, we cannot see any leader other than our President who dares to talk about the human tragedy in Palestine and the massacres committed by Israel in a real sense. "And no one should doubt that, under the leadership of our President, Turkey will never refrain from taking responsibility for this war to pave the way for permanent peace," he said.
Later, in his speech at the opening of the marina, Minister Uraloğlu touched upon the investments made in the sector by saying, "I would like to tell you about the development of our maritime industry, which has made great progress under the vision and captaincy of our President, who is the son of a sailor and knows maritime very well." Stating that the Turkish-owned merchant marine fleet was ranked 17th in the world and today it is ranked 45,7th with 12 million deadweight tons, Uraloğlu said, “The Turkish Flag is now among the most prestigious flags in the world in the maritime industry. "We increased the number of shipyards, which was 2002 in 37, to 85," he said.
TURKEY IS THE THIRD COUNTRY AFTER ITALY AND THE NETHERLANDS IN SUPERYAAT PRODUCTION
Uraloğlu stated that Turkey is a shining star in the world superyacht industry and said that quality production and competitive prices leave Turkey's competitors behind one by one. Stating that the sector has been provided with a great deal of support with SCT-free fuel, and that since 2004, the special consumption tax amount has been reduced to zero for ships registered in our registry, carrying cargo and passengers exclusively on the cabotage line, commercial yachts, service and fishing vessels, Uraloğlu said that approximately 11 billion lira of SCT has been imposed on the sector. You reminded that fuel support is provided.
WE INCREASED THE NUMBER OF OUR MARINAS FROM 41 TO 62
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced that the number of marinas has been increased from 41 to 62, stated that 10 thousand 45 additional yacht mooring capacity has been provided, and shared the following information about the investments made in marinas:
“We increased our marina capacity, which was 2002 thousand 8 in 500, to 18 thousand 545 with our investments. We increased our total capacity to over 25 thousand with investments made by the private sector. We employed 40 thousand people with these investments. We generate 200 million lira mooring income with our marina investments. Currently, our Aydıncık, Demre and Gazipaşa Marina construction continues. Our survey project work continues for Özdere, Dikili, Çeşme Şifne, Çeşmealtı and Şakran marinas on the coasts of Kurupelit and İzmir.”
WE WILL TURN TURKEY INTO THE CAPITAL OF YACHT TOURISM WITH 5 NEW MARINAS
Minister Uraloğlu stated that they are carrying out important work in the development of cruise tourism, which we see as floating hotels, and announced that they predict that the number of cruise passengers will exceed 1,5 million this year. Noting that the number of cruise ships arriving at Turkish Ports in 2022 increased to 993 and the number of passengers exceeded 1 million, Uraloğlu said, "We currently have 17 cruise ports and our Ministry continues to work on survey projects for Demre, Yenikapı and Fethiye Cruise ports."
Minister Uraloğlu stated that they are happy to add 230 yacht mooring capacity, 100 at sea and 330 on land, with the opening of Izmir Yeni Foça Marina, which was implemented with the public-private cooperation model. Stating that there is no marina between Ayvalık and Çeşme, Uraloğlu spoke as follows about the marina that was opened:
“We have now added a new destination to the Northern Aegean, which hosts unique bays and natural beauties. It is open to our people with our nature-friendly port project, built in accordance with the historical texture of Yeni Foça; We have also created a complete living center with restaurants, cafes, shops, conference halls, swimming pools, tennis courts and walking areas. Our marina, which will provide employment for over 200 people, will also bring great added value to the district. “Good luck.”
