Istanbul Ramps up Marinas

5:13 AM Tue 28 Oct 2008 GMT

'Bosporus Harbour is a busy marine hub and pivotal for Asia and Europe.' . Click Here to view large photo

Turkey is joining the race to create infrastructure for the world's burgeoning boating community, laying plans for 10 marinas within the next two years.

ISPARK, one of the companies owned by the Istanbul city municipality, is planning the construction of 10 floating docks at sea, five on the city's Asian side and five on the European side. When they're finished, the marinas will have a total capacity of 5,500 vessels.

In the first phase marinas for larger boats will be constructed near Tarabya and Istinye. In the second phase, marinas for medium and large-sized boats will be built near Beykoz and Pasabah?e. Following this, sea docks will be constructed near B?y?kdere in Sariyer, Ke?ilik in Beykoz, Kanlica, ?ubuklu, G?ksu, Bebek and Arnavutk?y in Besiktas.

The municipality aims to earn YTL 15 million annually from operation of the docks. They will change the Bosporus in a number of ways, including the possibility of temporary moorage for vessels, ISPARK General Manager, Kadir Gurbet?i said.

'We've come to the last phase in terms of legislation,' he said. 'We are obtaining the necessary permits from the Finance Ministry. The Tarabya and Istinye marinas to be built during the project's first phase will cost $12 million.

'The marinas will operate under an annual membership system; we will be building floating docks that are 3.5 meters wide and 10 meters long. The docks will also feature electricity, water and telephone utilities as well as mini-cafeterias and restaurants.'

The plans for the floating docks will include additional areas like meeting rooms, restaurants and helicopter pads. The docks are part of a plan to eliminate the current marine chaos on the Bosporus.

ISPARK has held meetings with individuals and institutions including Ko? Holding, the Dogus Group and Jefi Kamhi regarding the operation of future marinas.

According to Gurbet?i, construction will boast world's best environmental practices. 'The Istinye dock will have a 338-vessel capacity, and the Tarabya one 222,' he added. 'Studies on the feasibility of the other docks are ongoing.'
The first two docks are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

by Jeni Bone

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Istanbul Ramps up Marinas

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