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Transit ship movements through the Dardanelles Strait were temporarily suspended in both directions after severe weather conditions disrupted navigation, authorities in Türkiye’s northwestern Canakkale province announced.
According to information shared by the Directorate of Turkish Strait Vessel Traffic Services, captains navigating from both the northern and southern entrances were informed via radio announcements that the strait had been closed to transit shipping.
The Dardanelles Strait, known in Turkish as the "Canakkale Bogazi," is a narrow natural waterway connecting the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara and forms part of an international shipping route.
A "transit passage" refers to vessels crossing the strait without stopping at local ports, a routine operation that was temporarily suspended due to safety concerns linked to the storm.
Officials said the restriction applies in both directions until weather conditions improve, indicating that maritime traffic will resume once navigation can safely be carried out safely again.
The impact of the storm extended beyond international shipping, as local sea transportation was also affected. All ferry services operating on the Bozcaada-Geyikli and Gokceada-Kabatepe routes were canceled because of adverse weather.
These ferry lines normally connect mainland coastal points with nearby Aegean islands, and cancellations were implemented to avoid operational risks during the period of strong winds and rough seas.
Authorities continue to monitor conditions, and transit operations are expected to resume once the storm subsides and safe navigation standards can be maintained.
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