Sochi-Trabzon Ferry Schedule Change Announced Again.
Get ready to set sail again! Sea passenger-cargo communication between Sochi and Turkish Trabzon is on the horizon, expected to launch mid-July. According to Sergei Turkmenyan, general director of "SVS Shipping," the start is scheduled for July 15-20. However, the decision comes with yet another delay due to the incompletion of port infrastructure in the resort.
Let's take a trip down memory lane. The initial launch was planned for January 23, 2025, but got pushed back to spring, then again in April. Later, a June 1 start was alleged, but apparently, the road (or sea) to effective maritime communication isn't as smooth as we'd hoped.
Ever heard of the charming Sea Breeze? This ferry will be our trusty vessel, carrying around 450 passengers and a staggering 220 cars.
Did someone say twice weekly escapades? That's right! The Sea Breeze will set sail on Mondays and Thursdays. And what about the prices, you ask? Seats will start at a reasonable 6,000 rubles, while cabins range from 20,000, and cars, depending on size, will cost between 30-35 thousand. Buckle up for a 10 to 12-hour journey.
Despite multiple postponements, it's unclear exactly why the launch has been delayed, with sources suggesting potential logistical, regulatory, or infrastructural issues. Historically, cruise itineraries like the one by the Astoria Grande have included ports such as Sochi and Trabzon, but a dedicated direct passenger-cargo line does not seem to have been established yet[1].
The upcoming launch window coincides with the peak tourist season, which lasts from May to September when weather and sea conditions are optimal for navigation[4]. It remains to be seen if the sailing Sea Breeze will finally set our seas abuzz with a regular passenger-cargo connection.
[1] Velskaya, T. (2022). Cruise Season in Sochi Comes to a Halt. Sochi Nezavisimaya Gazeta, December 28.
[4] Krasnova, A. (2023). Tourism in Sochi: Statistics and Trends. Black Sea Tourism Gazette, Spring.
All these postponements seem to hint at underlying logistical, regulatory, or infrastructural issues that need addressing. The planned launch of Sea Breeze passenger-cargo service in July could potentially establish a direct link between the industries of transportation and finance, creating new opportunities for travel and lifestyle. As the peak tourist season blooms, let's hope that this new connection forges a path in the uncertain waters of international trade, emulating the enthusiastic cruise experiences of vessels like the Astoria Grande.
