Latest news with #TransportandInfrastructure
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Roundup: New freight trains better connect China, Türkiye through Middle Corridor
ISTANBUL, July 28 (Xinhua) -- The recent launch of two freight trains from China to Türkiye via the Middle Corridor marks a new chapter for the route, signaling progress toward more regular and efficient China-Europe rail operations, Turkish authorities and industry experts said. The Middle Corridor, officially known as the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor, traverses Kazakhstan, crosses the Caspian Sea, and continues through Azerbaijan and Georgia before reaching Europe via Türkiye. The milestone was highlighted by the arrival of the first China-Europe Railway Express South Channel Train at Istanbul's Halkali Station on July 21. Carrying communication equipment, auto parts, and other goods, the train completed its journey in 22 days after departing from Chongqing on June 29. The other train, departing from Chengdu, is expected to arrive in Istanbul next week. To ensure the timely delivery of the cargo, logistics partners from Türkiye and China optimized scheduling and strengthened coordination, enabling a faster and more resilient trade link. On July 16, Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced that, following numerous trial runs, regular services have now commenced from the Chinese cities of Chongqing and Chengdu to Istanbul, marking a significant step in the operational expansion of the Middle Corridor. "The trains traveled approximately 3,500 km within China before continuing through Central Asia, crossing the Caspian Sea, and reaching Europe via Türkiye. Each train carries around 2,000 tonnes of cargo," Uraloglu said. The services were launched on an agreement signed between Türkiye's Pasifik Eurasia Logistics Group and China State Railway Group, he said. The minister said Türkiye aims to establish seamless logistics between China and Europe, with a target of running 1,000 trains annually and positioning itself as a central hub in the Eurasian supply chain. "The Middle Corridor is no longer just an idea. It is step by step becoming a real corridor," said Fatih Erdogan, CEO of Pasifik Eurasia, adding that compared to traditional sea routes, the Middle Corridor offers not only a shorter path but also greater controllability. "These trains carry not only containers but also vision, trust, strategy, and a shared future," he said.
Qatar Tribune
17-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Turkey hikes fee for passage of int'l ships through its straits
Agencies Turkey has decided to hike the transit fees for international vessels navigating through its straits by 15% as of July 1, a top official said on Sunday. The toll, which comes as the fourth step since the tariff revision under the 2022 presidential decision, will rise 15% compared to the previous year, reaching 5.83 U.S. dollars per ton, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said. The new rate will take effect on July 1. The updated fees will apply to vessels transiting Istanbul and Çanakkale Straits with charges based on their net tonnage, the minister noted. Pointing out that they regularly increased the 'gold franc' value, which remained constant at $0.8 for 39 years before 2022, every year with the work carried out by the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs, Uraloğlu said: 'Within the framework of the Montreux Convention, we will increase the 'gold franc' value used in calculating fees collected from ships passing through the Istanbul and Çanakkale Straits without a stopover and taken based on net tons of the ships, by 15% compared to the previous year, to $5.83 as of July 1, 2025.' He also drew attention to the fact that the costs will be reflected more fairly with the 'gold franc' value revised according to current gold market data. 'This increase is highly valuable in terms of supporting the sustainability of the public services we provide in the Turkish Straits,' he said. 'With the fees we collect, we continue to constantly improve our infrastructure and vessel traffic monitoring systems to enhance maritime safety and security, as well as environmental protection, in our straits – among the world's most challenging and risky narrow waterways,' he added. A total of 51,058 transit vessels subject to the tolls passed through the two straits in 2024, generating $227.4 million in revenue, according to Uraloğlu. According to the Montreux Convention signed in 1936, Turkey retains the right to demand lighthouse, rescue and medical fees from ships passing through the Istanbul Strait, and entering and leaving the Çanakkale Strait. At that time, the calculation was made over the common currency Germinal franc, which was accepted by the U.N. as the gold franc. In 1936, one franc was equivalent to 0.29 grams (0.01023 ounces) of fine gold. When the Germinal franc was no longer in circulation, the payments started to be made in U.S. dollars based on the Turkish lira exchange rate, but the value of 1 franc was still kept as 0.29 grams of fine gold, regardless of the current exchange rates. In 1983, Turkey waived about 75% of its toll rights of that day and fixed 1 gold franc to $0.8063 with a discounted value. Until very recently, the tolls have been applied by multiplying the current exchange buying rate by the discounted gold franc value of $0.8063. However, over time, the amount has eroded in the face of increasing inflation and gold value, causing Turkey to undercharge transits.
NZ Herald
19-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Whakatāne Mayor Victor Luca pushes for second bridge with community petition
'We're just going cap in hand to Government,' he said. Since he became mayor in 2022, Luca has continued to push for a new bridge, speaking to the East Coast's MP at the time, Kiri Allen, and former Transport Minister Simeon Brown. In August 2023, his request that council staff put together a proposal for a second river crossing was agreed to at a council meeting. However, the proposal never eventuated. 'That didn't go anywhere, so I decided to write it myself,' Luca said. 'I started in the second half of last year. 'We'll send that in to the minister with a petition, hopefully with a few thousand signatures on it.' Last year, he also managed to have an application for funding for a full business case included in the Regional Land Transport Plan. 'The bridge proposal was ranked 12th or 13th in the Bay of Plenty, and I was quite hopeful at one point. 'But, unbeknownst to me, [central government] didn't provide a lot of funding and it seems as if most of it has gone to Tauranga and the Western Bay. 'We didn't get even a look in. But if you don't rattle the cage or stir things up, then you're not going to get a bridge.' He emphasised the proposal was not a business case, and although it identified several potential locations that have been suggested by people over the years, it did not advocate for any particular location for a bridge. 'Every man and his dog are going to have a view on where it should go,' he said. 'It's all about advocating. The detail would come in a full-blown business case.' The proposal outlines the 'significant challenges' faced by the Eastern Bay due to its largest town's reliance on the Landing Rd Bridge, constructed in 1962 and now under increasing strain from a growing population, seismic risks and climate-related threats. It points out the Whakatāne district's population has nearly tripled since the bridge on Landing Rd was built and is projected to reach 42,500 by 2033. The proposal asks for funding for a detailed business case, geo-spatial analysis, technical feasibility studies and benefit-cost evaluations. It also asks the minister to initiate collaborative planning, such as partnering with regional councils, iwi and stakeholders to align priorities and resources, to incorporate lessons from Cyclone Gabrielle and focus on long-term climate adaptation strategies. He said people needed to front up if the proposal was to get any attention from central government. 'If this town wants a second bridge, it needs to get out and sign up to a petition which could accompany a proposal, which will be sent to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Chris Bishop. 'It's still a fair way to go but if you don't do the advocacy and you don't have the nod from upstairs, you're probably not going to get anywhere. 'This is one step on the road. It's what I promised my community I was going to do, which is advocate for the bridge so that's what I'm doing.'
Zawya
21-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Turkish Airlines celebrates a new era in European aviation
Dubai: Turkish Airlines proudly marks a historic milestone in Türkiye's aviation journey as iGA Istanbul Airport becomes the first in Europe to implement Triple Independent Runway Operations, effective as of April 17. This remarkable advancement reinforces the airport's role as our global hub and solidifies Türkiye's strategic position at the heart of international air travel. Initiated by Türkiye's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu with the attendance of, General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMI) Chairman of the Board and General Director Enes Çakmak, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Prof. Ahmet Bolat, iGA Istanbul Airport Board Member Mehmet Kalyoncu and other notables, launch of this pioneering system saw three Turkish Airlines aircraft take off simultaneously under live operations, highlighting not only the capabilities of iGA Istanbul Airport but also the strength and sophistication of Türkiye's aviation ecosystem. Emphasizing that the Triple Independent Runway Operations mark a first for Türkiye and European aviation and a historic step for global aviation, Türkiye's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu stated the following during the inauguration: 'We are proud as Türkiye is the only country to implement this system in Europe. Now, Istanbul Airport has risen to the top tier of global aviation—not only with its traffic volume but also in terms of operational capacity and technical capability. With this system, air traffic flow will accelerate, the dynamic capacity of our airport will significantly increase, and we will offer our passengers faster and safer service. When Istanbul's strategic location which bridges continents, is combined with this new capability, our airport will take on an even more critical role in global aviation logistics.' On playing a key part of this significant moment for Turkish aviation, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Prof. Ahmet Bolat stated: ' As Turkish Airlines, we are proud to be part of yet another historic moment for Turkish aviation. With the simultaneous take-off of three of our aircraft, our main hub iGA Istanbul Airport has achieved a first in Europe. This operational capacity will enhance the efficiency of our flights and serve as a significant milestone on our path toward continued growth.' Commenting on the new capabilities, iGA Istanbul Airport Board Member Mehmet Kalyoncu said: ' It is with great pleasure that I announce that as of April 17, 2025, we are officially commencing Triple Independent Runway Operations at iGA Istanbul Airport—marking a first in Europe and further strengthening Türkiye's contribution to the international travel and aviation industry. This is not merely a technical achievement for us, but also a strategic milestone. The Triple Independent Runway Operation we are launching today stands as one of the most critical cornerstones of this ecosystem. With this system, we are increasing our hourly air traffic capacity from 120 to 148 aircraft movements. This development enhances not only the efficiency of Istanbul's airspace but also that of Europe's. Istanbul is no longer just a destination—it is now a global aviation hub.' With the integration of Triple Independent Runway Operations, iGA Istanbul Airport has increased its hourly aircraft movement capacity, significantly boosting operational efficiency. For Turkish Airlines, this means shorter taxi times, fewer delays, and enhanced punctuality, thus delivering a smoother, faster, and more sustainable experience for flag carrier's guests. The system also contributes to reducing carbon emissions, aligning with global airline's long-term environmental commitments. As iGA Istanbul Airport continues its path toward becoming a global transfer hub with a vision to serve 200 million passengers, this new operational capability supports Turkish Airlines' goals of seamless connectivity, superior service, and forward-looking infrastructure. On-time departures and arrivals are one of the core objectives of our strategy and a critical factor in enhancing financial efficiency. With this new operational capability, punctual performance across our fleet, which sees over 1000 daily flights, will enjoy benefits in both guest satisfaction and cost optimization. As the flag carrier of the country, Turkish Airlines, celebrates this achievement as a testament to Türkiye's aviation leadership and iGA Istanbul Airport's capacity to set new benchmarks on a global scale. We remain committed to elevating the travel experience while strengthening Türkiye's role in connecting the world. About Turkish Airlines: Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 473 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 353 worldwide destinations as 300 international and 53 domestics in 131 countries. More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on its official website or its social media accounts on Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram. About Star Alliance: Established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, the Star Alliance network was founded on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service. Since its inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the customer experience throughout the entire Alliance journey. The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers 17,837 daily flights to over 1,160 airports in 192 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner Juneyao Airlines.
Zawya
18-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Turkish Airlines leads Europe in triple runway operations
Turkish Airlines has become the first in Europe to implement Triple Independent Runway Operations at iGA Istanbul Airport, marking a milestone in the country's aviation journey. The move, effective from April 17, strengthens the airport's role as a global hub and solidifies Türkiye's strategic position at the heart of international air travel. The launch of the system saw three Turkish Airlines aircraft take off simultaneously under live operations, showcasing the airport's capabilities and the strength of Türkiye's aviation ecosystem. Emphasising that the Triple Independent Runway Operations mark a first for Türkiye and European aviation and a historic step for global aviation, Türkiye's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu stated the following during the inauguration: 'We are proud as Türkiye is the only country to implement this system in Europe. Now, Istanbul Airport has risen to the top tier of global aviation—not only with its traffic volume but also in terms of operational capacity and technical capability. With this system, air traffic flow will accelerate, the dynamic capacity of our airport will significantly increase, and we will offer our passengers faster and safer service. When Istanbul's strategic location which bridges continents, is combined with this new capability, our airport will take on an even more critical role in global aviation logistics.' On playing a key part of this significant moment for Turkish aviation, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Ahmet Bolat stated: 'As Turkish Airlines, we are proud to be part of yet another historic moment for Turkish aviation. With the simultaneous take-off of three of our aircraft, our main hub iGA Istanbul Airport has achieved a first in Europe. This operational capacity will enhance the efficiency of our flights and serve as a significant milestone on our path toward continued growth.' Commenting on the new capabilities, iGA Istanbul Airport Board Member Mehmet Kalyoncu said: 'It is with great pleasure that I announce that as of April 17, 2025, we are officially commencing Triple Independent Runway Operations at iGA Istanbul Airport—marking a first in Europe and further strengthening Türkiye's contribution to the international travel and aviation industry. This is not merely a technical achievement for us, but also a strategic milestone. The Triple Independent Runway Operation we are launching today stands as one of the most critical cornerstones of this ecosystem. With this system, we are increasing our hourly air traffic capacity from 120 to 148 aircraft movements. This development enhances not only the efficiency of Istanbul's airspace but also that of Europe's. Istanbul is no longer just a destination—it is now a global aviation hub.' -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
