Exploring Ferry Electrification in Türkiye

01 October 2025

The Sea of Marmara hosts one of the densest RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) and RoPax (roll-on/roll-off passenger) shipping networks in the Mediterranean region, carrying millions of passengers and vehicles a year. Considering Türkiye's goal of achieving net-zero and its potential for renewable energy, the electrification of ferries in this region will play a significant role in cutting greenhouse gas emissions and improving the quality of air in and around port areas. From September 23 to 25, the International Maritime Organization’s GreenVoyage2050 Programme, in collaboration with Türkiye's Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, held consultations on the potential benefits, opportunities, and challenges for electrifying ferries operating in the Sea of Marmara. These discussions – where those representing ferry owners, international financial organizations, academia, electricity suppliers, and government institutions participated – were part of a study conducted under the GreenVoyage2050 Accelerator. The GreenVoyage2050 Accelerator aims to seek opportunities for developing pilot projects in the region. This study will examine the technical, financial, and environmental aspects of enhancing vessels and terminals and identify the routes most suitable for electrification in the Sea of Marmara. It is also expected that the lessons from this study can provide the direction of future pilot projects. The study is scheduled to be finalized by December 2025.

*The GreenVoyage2050 Programme is a technical cooperation program initiated by the IMO and it is now in its second phase. This aims to help partner countries develop National Action Plans (NAPs) and implement pilot projects in Türkiye, India, Indonesia, and Viet Nam to test solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While this programme continues to expand, the governments of Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway have provided the funding for the programme. 

For the original article, please visit https://www.imo.org/en/mediacentre/pages/whatsnew-2337.aspx  or scan the QR code below 

IALA and China Maritime Safety Administration (China MSA) Strengthen Cooperation on Education and Training for Aids to Navigation (AtoN)

02 October 2025

From September 21 to 27, the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) World-Wide Academy (WWA) contributed to several training activities in Wenzhou and Shanghai, supporting China Maritime Safety Administration (China MSA) in its efforts to promote international cooperation and advance maritime navigation safety. The IALA WWA participated in the Level 1.1 AtoN Manager Course with 17 participants from 13 countries and delivered the full Level 1.2 AtoN Master Course for senior managers with 17 participants from 12 countries. The Dean of the Academy also joined the final evaluation and closing of a VST Operators Training held in Shanghai. A highlight of this event was the renewal of the MoU between IALA and China MSA in the presence of the IALA Secretary-General and the Executive Director General of China MSA. This achievement reflects the shared commitment of IALA and China to building capacity and promoting international cooperation in maritime navigation. 

For the original article, please visit https://www.iala.int/iala-and-china-maritime-safety-administration-china-msa-strengthen-cooperation-on-education-and-training-for-aids-to-navigation-aton/ or scan the QR code below