Following the sinking of the 26-year-old FİLO JET off the coast of Kyrenia on August 30, the age and safety standards of vessels engaged in passenger and cargo transport by sea have once again come to the forefront. While it has been noted that many vessels in the fleets of Akgünler Denizcilik and Filo Denizcilik are over 30 years old, it has been revealed that the oldest vessel is the 51-year-old Toros, and sadly, the youngest was the sunken FİLO JET. This situation once again highlights the critical importance of inspection and maintenance processes in the maritime industry.
The FİLO JET Disaster and Its Impact on the Maritime Industry
The capsizing and sinking of Filo Denizcilik's FİLO JET off the coast of Kyrenia, resulting in loss of life, has triggered widespread discussions on safety and oversight in maritime transport. This incident has raised questions particularly concerning the age of vessels used for passenger and cargo transport, and the regularity of their technical maintenance.
Status of Vessels in Akgünler Denizcilik's Fleet
Akgünler Denizcilik's fleet comprises a total of 5 vessels: Via Mare, Grand Master, Flying Anka, Akgünler 3, and Marin. The ages and characteristics of these vessels are as follows:
- Via Mare: Built in 1976, the vessel is 50 years old and 118 meters long. Serving the Taşucu - Kyrenia route, the vessel reportedly underwent reconstruction and renovation in 2012.
- Marin: Built in 1991, the Marin is 35 years old. This Norwegian-built Ro-Ro cargo vessel, 114 meters long, is used on the Mersin - Famagusta route.
- Flying Anka: Built in 1998, this fast ferry is 28 years old. Approximately 45-46 meters long with a capacity for 411 passengers, it operates on the Taşucu - Kyrenia route.
- Akgünler 3: Built in 1988, this fast sea bus is 38 years old. The Norwegian-built vessel has a capacity for approximately 384 passengers.
Vessels in Filo Denizcilik's Fleet and FİLO JET
Filo Denizcilik's records show an association with 4 vessels: FİLO JET, Beşparmak, Toros, and Ro-Ro Lefke. It has been shared that all of these vessels are over 25 years old:
- FİLO JET: This catamaran-type passenger vessel, which sank off the coast of Kyrenia on August 30, was built in 2000 and was 26 years old. It was recorded as being 42.8 meters long and 339 gross tons.
- Beşparmak: Built in 1988, the vessel is 38 years old.
- Toros: Built in 1975, the Toros is 51 years old and stands out as the oldest vessel. It is used for cargo and Ro-Ro transport.
- Ro-Ro Lefke: Built in 1979, the vessel is 47 years old. It is used for cargo and Ro-Ro transport.
Vessel Age Table Across Fleets
The following list of vessels by age provides important insights into the average age in the maritime sector:
- Toros: 51 years old
- Via Mare: 50 years old
- Ro-Ro Lefke: 47 years old
- Akgünler 3: 38 years old
- Beşparmak: 38 years old
- Marin: 35 years old
- Flying Anka: 28 years old
- FİLO JET: 26 years old
This table indicates that many vessels in both companies' fleets are in the 30 to 50-year age range. The sinking of the 26-year-old FİLO JET, which was the youngest vessel, has once again demonstrated that diligent application of technical maintenance, classification and inspection processes, operational suitability, and safety standards is of vital importance, as much as the vessel's age.
Important Information and Safety Measures for Passengers
While it may not be possible for passengers planning sea travel to directly inquire about the current safety certificates and maintenance history of the vessels they will be traveling on from operators or relevant maritime authorities, it is generally recommended to choose reliable and well-established companies. For any schedule changes or safety announcements, it is important to regularly check the official website of the relevant ferry company and our announcements page. Especially for long routes like TRNC ferry services, accessing up-to-date information is a critical step for travel planning.