The Sea of Marmara hosts one of the Mediterranean region's densest RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) and RoPax (Roll-on/Roll-off Passenger) 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.
The International Maritime Organization's GreenVoyage2050 Programme, in collaboration with Türkiye's Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, from 23-25 September convened a series of stakeholder consultations in Istanbul to explore the potential benefits, opportunities and challenges for electrifying ferries operating in the Sea of Marmara.
"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, Türkiye. "These consultations ensure that all stakeholders are part of shaping a cleaner, more sustainable maritime future for Türkiye".
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.
"The aim of the GreenVoyage2050 Accelerator is to advance the deployment of low- and zero-carbon solutions on board ships and in ports by supporting the development and implementation of pilot projects," said Ms. Astrid Dispert, Programme Manager of GreenVoyage2050. "By working closely with stakeholders in Türkiye, we can turn innovative ideas into practical solutions that demonstrate real emissions reductions and set an example for other regions."
The study, delivered with technical input from Ricardo environmental and engineering consultancy, will examine the technical, financial, and environmental aspects of upgrading both vessels and terminals. It will identify up to three RoRo/RoPax routes most suitable for electrification. Insights from these initial consultations will feed into the next stage of analysis and ensure that perspectives from government, industry, and academia guide the direction of future pilot projects. The study is expected to be finalized by December 2025.
This collaboration with Türkiye Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure is funded by the Government of Denmark through contributions made to the IMO GHG Multi-Donor Trust Fund to support the GreenVoyage2050 Programme.
GreenVoyage2050 Programme
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.
