The ADA 74 Ro-Ro transport boat purchased by the Cyprus Turkish Maritime Company owned jointly by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ Ministry of Public Works and Transportation and the Republic of Türkiye’s Privatisation Authority docked at Gazimağusa Port on Thursday.

The 93.8m long and 15 meter wide ship is capable of transporting 14 trucks, 25 vehicles and 400 passengers.

A ceremony was held on Thursday afternoon at Gazimağusa to celebrate the ship’s maiden voyage.

Speaking at the ceremony at Gazimağusa Port, the President of the Cyprus Maritime Company Mustafa Yılmazer said that the ship will contribute greatly to the country’s tourism and commercial activities.

The Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı who also spoke at the ceremony said that there will be a significant drop in ferry prices with the coming into service of ADA74.

“I would like to extend our endless gratitude to officials from motherland Türkiye,” he said.

Also delivering a few remarks, the Turkish Ambassador to Lefkoşa Metin Feyzioğlu said that the ADA74 transport ship was just one of many moves that showed how determined the Turkish nation was on the Cyprus cause.

“This ship is proof that we will remain sovereign and independent forever,” he added.

Feyzioğlu also said that electricity will be brought to the island via cable just as water had been brought to Cyprus via a suspended underwater pipeline.

“All these developments and moves are carried out on the notion that we are one nation, two states. The unique and strong bond that exists between our two countries will continue to exist. Türkiye will always be by the side of the TRNC,” the Turkish ambassador said.

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel started his speech by thanking Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay.

He said that they were very excited with the launch of a new ferry service between Türkiye and the TRNC.

Pointing out that the TRNC was subjected to international isolation and commercial embargoes, the prime minister said that they were doing all they could to keep up with the rest of the world.

Also delivering a few words, the Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Zorlu Töre expressed his happiness over the launch of the ferry service.

He said that the TRNC will continue to grow stronger as a result of the initiatives undertaken and the cooperation that takes place with motherland Türkiye.

Delivering the final speech, President Ersin Tatar said that the launch of ADA74’s ferry services will further strengthen ties with Türkiye.

Tatar explained that the ADA74 Ro-Ro transport ship was a ₺9.5bn investment made within the framework of the 2023 Economic and Financial Cooperation Protocol signed with Türkiye.

The president highlighted the importance of maritime connections for a sustainable economy and structure on the island.

Following the speeches, the officials toured the ship.