After a long break, regular passenger ferry service will reopen between Russia and Turkey. The first voyage from Trabzon to Sochi is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5. According to representatives of Liderline, the company responsible for the route, the weather is favorable, and no further postponements are expected.
The project, which has been discussed for several years, is finally moving to a practical level. The last passenger voyage on this route was in 2011. Attempts to resume the line have been made before, but were delayed due to weather conditions and new requirements for international ports. Now the Seabridge vessel, built in Italy and completely renovated in 2024, is ready to reconnect the Black Sea coasts of Russia and Turkey.
The ferry is designed for 450 passengers and a crew of 25. On board there are 93 seating places, similar to airline seats, and cabins of various classes, equipped with all amenities. The journey time between Sochi and Trabzon will be about 12 hours. According to company representatives, Seabridge is equipped with modern security systems, lifeboats and boats, and is insured against all risks.
The fare starts from 6500 rubles for a seat in economy class and from 9500 rubles for a place in a cabin. Payment on board is possible in rubles, and in the near future it will be possible to buy tickets online. For now, the transportation of cars is not planned, although the ship is capable of taking up to 200 cars on board.
In the future, the ferry will run twice a week. Representatives of "SVS Shipping" note that ticket offices in Sochi and Trabzon are already open, while Russian-speaking employees will meet passengers in the Turkish port.