The Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure has announced that a Ship Traffic Services (STS) system will be established in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, the Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure announced on Monday that a maritime traffic services system to be established in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is included in the ministry’s investment program.

A Ship Traffic Services (STS) System is a maritime safety service designed to enhance the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic in a particular area.

It involves the use of technology and communication systems to monitor, manage, and provide information to ships navigating through specific waters in order to prevent collisions, protect the marine environment, and facilitate the safe and orderly movement of vessels.

In a written statement, Uraloğlu mentioned that the establishment of the system will enhance Türkiye’s effectiveness in the Eastern Mediterranean and enable the detection of maritime movements in the region, presenting an integrated picture.

Highlighting that the system will be established to protect Türkiye’s interests in the Blue Homeland and to monitor maritime traffic between TRNC and Türkiye, Minister Uraloğlu said, “the TRNC is also aimed to have a capacity in this regard. In this context, the project numbered 2018E02-22713, titled ‘Eastern Mediterranean GTHS,’ has been included in our ministry’s investment program and will be executed by the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs.”

A contract will be signed with HAVELSAN for the system, consisting of 1 Ship Traffic Services Centre and 3 traffic monitoring stations.

The project is planned to be completed within two years.