Global tensions boost importance of Turkish straits

Despite disruptions to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz caused by the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran, and the resulting shifts in global trade, as well as intensified drone attacks in the Black Sea during the war between Russia and Ukraine, the Turkish Straits have retained their strategic importance in 2026, CE Report quotes BTA.

According to data from Türkiye's General Directorate of Maritime Affairs, 19,277 vessels transited the Bosphorus and 20,941 passed through the Dardanelles during the first half of this year, bringing the total to 40,218 ships and container vessels with a combined gross tonnage of 767.5 million tonnes. In addition, 604 livestock carriers, 258 vehicle carriers and 87 cement carriers transited the straits.

A total of 40,988 vessels passed through the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles in the first half of last year.

As of July 1, 2026, Türkiye increased transit fees for passage through the straits by 15%, raising the tariff from USD 5.38 to USD 6.70 per tonne.

Revenue data for the first half of 2026 have not yet been released. However, projections indicate that total revenue from the Turkish Straits for the period between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, is expected to reach approximately USD 254 million.

Photo: Chat GPT