Wildfires Temporarily Halt Shipping Through Dardanelles Strait

As wildfires continue to spread in Turkey, the Dardanelles Strait has been shut down to maritime traffic as a precautionary measure. Efforts to combat the blazes are ongoing, while thousands have been evacuated from affected areas.

The Dardanelles Strait, an essential trade route connecting Europe and Asia, has been temporarily closed to maritime traffic following severe forest fires in north-western Turkey. The country's transport ministry announced the suspension, emphasizing it was a precaution due to the escalating situation near the city of Canakkale, where local residents have been evacuated.

In response to the fires, Turkish firefighters, along with specialized aerial firefighting teams, are actively working to control the blazes. Local officials have reported that strong winds and dry weather conditions are exacerbating the fires' spread. The Dardanelles, which serves as a vital corridor for commercial shipping, saw approximately 46,000 vessels transit through it in 2024 alone.

Consequently, Canakkale's main airport has been closed to commercial passenger flights, though it remains operational for firefighting and rescue aircraft. The summer has been particularly challenging for Turkey, with hundreds of wildfires erupting throughout the country, leading to mass evacuations. Tragically, in July, several forestry and rescue personnel lost their lives while combating the wildfires in the central Eskisehir province.

The ongoing wildfire crisis in Turkey is also paralleled by similar incidents in neighboring Greece, as both countries endure extreme heat that intensifies fire risks. The situation poses significant implications not just for local residents but also for the broader shipping industry, which relies heavily on these critical maritime routes.