Bosphorus Closures for Shipping Expected As Tunnel Survey Starts

TURKEY – Mariners using the Bosphorus have been warned to expect closures between June and August due to seabed surveys being carried out for the Great Istanbul Tunnel project. Exact details have not yet been given as to times and dates that closures will be made and any vessels expecting to transit between the 24 June and 3 August should contact the Turkish authorities for advice.

The Great Istanbul Tunnel is projected to be a 6.5 km (4.0 mile) long system consisting of three levels; two for road traffic and one level for a rail system. It will be 110 m (360 ft) below sea level and 18.80m (61.7 ft) in diameter. Completion is expected in 2020 and it is costed at $3.5 billion.

The tunnel will be integrated into nine subway lines, the TEM Motorway, the E-5 Motorway and the Northern Marmara Motorway. Once operational it is expected to be used by 6.5 million passengers on a daily basis.