Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, announced that a total of 84,640 vessels passed through the Turkish Straits in 2025, comprising 40,172 transits through the Bosphorus and 44,468 through the Dardanelles.
In a written statement citing 2025 transit statistics published by the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs, Uraloğlu said the Turkish Straits remain among the most critical chokepoints in global maritime trade.
Of the 40,172 vessels that transited the Bosphorus in 2025, 24,608 ships — representing 61.3% — received pilotage services. In the Dardanelles, 23,971 of the 44,468 vessels, or 53.9%, were guided by pilots. In total, 48,579 pilotage services were provided throughout the year.
General Cargo Ships Lead Traffic
Providing details on vessel types, Uraloğlu said general cargo ships accounted for the largest share of traffic in both straits in 2025. A total of 14,724 general cargo ships passed through the Bosphorus, while 13,870 transited the Dardanelles. Bulk carriers followed, with 7,493 using the Bosphorus and 8,066 the Dardanelles over the year.
The minister noted that vessels transiting the Bosphorus carried 422.8 million tons of cargo, including 203.7 million tons of hazardous materials. In the Dardanelles, total cargo reached 570.3 million tons, of which 232.5 million tons consisted of hazardous goods.
Large vessels continued to use the waterways, with 128 ships longer than 300 meters passing through the Bosphorus and 660 through the Dardanelles. In the 250–300 meter range, 1,836 vessels transited the Bosphorus and 3,011 the Dardanelles.
Panama-Flagged Ships Top the List
Panama-flagged vessels ranked first in terms of flag distribution, with 12,823 transits in 2025. Turkish-flagged ships followed with 12,765, while Liberia-flagged vessels accounted for 10,735 crossings.
Maritime Incidents Down 21%
Despite the heavy traffic, Uraloğlu emphasized that maritime safety was maintained at the highest level. In 2025, the Main Search and Rescue Coordination Center responded to 299 maritime accidents within Türkiye’s search and rescue zone, rescuing 561 people alive.
He added that maritime accidents and incidents involving vessels declined by 21% compared to 2024.
Uraloğlu also noted that efforts to enhance navigational safety and protect life, property, marine environments and ecological balance in the Turkish Straits continue uninterrupted. In line with evolving needs, the implementation directive of the Turkish Straits Maritime Traffic Regulation was revised in 2025.
Cruise Tourism Gains Momentum
Highlighting strong growth in cruise tourism, Uraloğlu said that Istanbul’s ports welcomed 265 cruise ships and 625,517 cruise passengers in 2025, marking an approximately 30% increase compared to 2024.
In 2024, Istanbul ports hosted 204 cruise ships and 439,968 cruise passengers.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök