The Sea of Marmara hosts one of the Mediterranean region’s densest RoPax and RoRo shipping networks, carrying millions of passengers and vehicles annually across numerous routes. With Türkiye’s target to reach net-zero emissions by 2053 and its strong potential for renewable energy, the electrification of ferries here offers a pathway to cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in and around port areas.

“Electrifying ferries in the Sea of Marmara is a strategic step towards achieving our national climate goals and improving air quality for millions of citizens,” said officials from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. Hosted by the Istanbul Regional Harbour Master’s Office, the consultations brought together approximately 50 stakeholders representing ferry owners and operators, cargo owners, port authorities, shipyards, electricity providers, international financial institutions, academia, and government officials.

The discussions form a part of a study conducted under the GreenVoyage2050 Accelerator, which aims to identify viable opportunities for developing pilot projects in the region. GreenVoyage2050 is a major technical cooperation programme initiated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to assist developing countries in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping, in line with the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy.

Now in its second phase (2024–2030), GreenVoyage2050 is supporting partner countries in developing National Action Plans (NAPs) -including Bangladesh, Egypt, Ghana, Mexico and Nigeria -as well as implementing pilot projects in Türkiye, India, Indonesia and Viet Nam to test solutions for reducing GHG emissions from ships. Leveraging funding from the Governments of Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Norway, the GreenVoyage2050 Programme continues to expand, with new countries added each year.

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