Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun indicated that Canal Istanbul project would eliminate all risks arising from maritime traffic in Istanbul and ensure the safety of life and property as well as providing new jobs for 10 thousand people.
Altun shared a post about Canal Istanbul project on his Twitter account.
Highlighting that Canal Istanbul project would eliminate all risks arising from maritime traffic in Istanbul, Altun said “It will ensure the safety of life and property as well as providing new jobs for 10 thousand people. It will add value to the economy. It will strengthen Istanbul’s role as a historic centre of maritime trade.”
Altun also shared a video prepared by the Directorate of Communications about Canal Istanbul Project.
The video gives the reasons why this project is needed, drawing attention to the fact that an average of 115 vessels pass through Istanbul Strait daily and it is regarded the narrowest and busiest natural waterway with a high level of danger in the world.
The video tells that 8 major accidents have occurred in Istanbul Strait so far, resulting in a financial loss of $1.3 billion, and 73 people have lost their lives.
According to the video, the Strait has an annual safe-conduct capacity of 25 thousand vessels, but over 40 thousand vessels pass through it. Waiting period for a vessel to cross the Strait reaches up to 15 hours, which leads to significant costs.
The video points out that Canal Istanbul project will bring in $1 billion to Turkey annually, and reports have been prepared in 33 scientific fields separately for this project, for which about 200 academicians and experts are working from 7 universities, particularly Boğaziçi University, ITU and METU.
It is noted that all ecologic and seismic risks have been simulated and the most ideal location has been chosen for the project, that Canal Istanbul project will add value to the economy like other similar projects around the world as well as strengthening Istanbul’s role as a historic centre of maritime trade.