The Tripoli-Istanbul sealine was inaugurated yesterday with the maiden journey by the Kevalay Queen ferry.
The official event inauguration took place in the presence of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transportation for Air Transport Affairs, Khaled Swesi, the Head of the Ports and Maritime Transport Authority, Omar Al-Jawashi, and the Director of the Port of Tripoli, Mesbah Habibi.
Opening this line was sought by the Ministry
Commenting on the event, the Director of the Media Office at the Ministry of Transport, Siraj Al-Hamal, told Libya Herald, “The inauguration of the Tripoli-Istanbul sealine, which is currently being serviced by the Kevalay Queen company, which is also servicing the Misrata-Turkey sea line, is among the achievements that the Ministry of Transportation has sought”.
Launching the ferry line offers cheaper alternative to flights
Al-Hamal stressed that the Ministry had facilitated procedures for the operating company in order to provide a direct line for citizens wishing to travel to Istanbul at good prices and with several trips during the week. This is especially considering the increase in airline tickets and the inability of several citizens who wish to travel for treatment, tourism, trade, study or visit some relatives.
Positive economic impact
The opening of this direct sea line, he explained, has a good positive impact on the citizens and residents of Libya, and it will certainly have a direct impact on the national economy in general and on the economic conditions of the people, in particular.
Working on sealines to Sfax, Malta and Egypt
Al-Hamal pointed out that there are other endeavours to open a sea line to travel from Tripoli to the port of Sfax in Tunisia, Malta and Egypt after completing some procedures with the concerned country and obtaining final approval from them in this regard. The results of these passenger sealines will be an improvement in transport in Libya, which will have great economic results on the national economy and the economies of the countries targeted by cruises, he added.
It is worth noting that the capacity of the Kevalay Queen is 810 passengers, and it can transport goods weighing 2,000 tons. Ticket prices for passengers from Tripoli start from 530 to 760 dinars, and the sailing time from Tripoli to Istanbul will be about 72 hours.
Tunisian ambassador affirms desire to operate lines to Misrata Maritime Terminal | (libyaherald.com)
Misrata Maritime Terminal preparing to launch cruise trips to Istanbul after Eid | (libyaherald.com)
Egyptian ambassador visits Misrata, seeks increased cooperation | (libyaherald.com)
