Four good reasons

Sea Lines offers ferries as alternatives to overland transport runs. In 2011 the Turkish shipping company Sea Lines introduced a ro-pax service between Turkey and Ukraine. CEO Joe Lindblom told the ITJ recently how the line’s Black Sea ferry services have developed and why he has great faith in the future.

What are the most important stages in Sea Lines’ corporate history?

 

Since its founding, Sea Lines has established itself as a leader for ro-pax services across the Black Sea, in the process enhancing trade routes between Turkey, Ukraine, and the region of the Community of Independent States (CIS). In 2011 Sea Lines launched its frequent ro-pax service from Haydarpaşa, on the Sea of Marmara in Istanbul (Turkey), to Chornomorsk, in the Odessa region of Ukraine, opening a critical corridor for trucked cargo to the CIS.

 

By 2014, Sea Lines had captured a 40% market share, becoming the leading operator for Turkey-to-CIS cargo transport. In response to industry trends, Sea Lines expanded operations in 2018 to Karasu in the Sakarya region of northern Turkey, becoming the first operator in this emerging port.

 

 

What constituted the trends?

 

Sea Lines aligned with the European trend of relocating ro-ro operations away from city centres, to enhance logistics efficiency and meet the requirements of international trade. On top of this we also recognised the great strategic potential in Karasu.

 

 

What did this potential consist of?

 

Sea Lines sought to further enhance Black Sea connectivity and to this end signed an agreement in 2024 with DP World, the world’s third-largest port manager, to operate from the latter’s new ro-ro terminal in Constantza (Romania).

 

This collaboration represents a substantial commitment, with Sea Lines investing millions into the Constantza–Karasu route, supported by two dedicated ferries for daily freight as well as passenger services. The first vessel, Stena Lines’ former URD, made its maiden voyage in July 2024, establishing a seamless trade corridor linking Turkey to Central Europe.

 

 

What happened to the other end of the line initially served in Ukraine?

 

The turbulent situation in Ukraine prompted our decision to re-route operations to Romania. This shift allows us to maintain stable and reliable services and ensure continuity for our customers, despite the challenges we face in the region.

 

We remain open to returning to Ukraine when the situation improves, as our commitment to connecting Turkey with Central Europe and the CIS region remains strong. For now, our focus is mainly on strengthening the Constantza–Karasu corridor, aiming to offer daily departures in each direction to support growing demand for services across the Black Sea from trade and the logistics industry.

 

 

Who are your competitors?

 

Currently, Sea Lines’ primary competitor is the overland route, which involves trucking cargo to Central Europe through Bulgaria and other transit countries. Our ro-ro service offers several clear advantages over this land route, however.

 

 

What are these advantages?

 

First and foremost, ro-ro services provide a level of predictability that overland transport often lacks. Road shipments can face delays due to congestion at border crossings, road conditions, and variable transit times; but our ro-ro vessels operate to fixed schedules, thus ensuring on-time departures and arrivals. This gives our customers greater certainty for their logistics planning.

 

In terms of cost efficiency, ro-ro transport reduces fuel expenses and the wear and tear of vehicles associated with long-haul road journeys. For businesses moving goods over long distances to Central Europe, the ro-ro option frequently translates into lower overall transport costs. Environmental benefits are another major advantage. Compared to trucking, ro-ro transport significantly reduces CO2 emissions, offering greener logistics solutions that support sustainability goals.

 

Lastly, ro-ro solutions provide a high level of safety and security for goods. Road transport is more vulnerable to risks such as theft, damage, and accidents. In contrast, our vessels are designed to handle cargo securely, ensuring that goods reach their destinations intact and on time.

 

 

What goods do you transport most?

 

Sea Lines’ ro-ro service between Turkey and Central Europe facilitates the transport of a wide range of goods that reflect the economic ties between the regions.

 

From Turkey to Central Europe we frequently transport textiles and clothing, automotive parts, electronics and industrial machinery. In the opposite direction, Central Europe supplies Turkey with vital goods, including chemical products for manufacturing, agricultural goods, high-value consumer goods, including luxury vehicles and furniture, and construction materials, such as steel.

 

 

How have your volumes evolved?

 

Over time, we’ve experienced balanced and steady growth, reflecting the reliability and value our services bring to the market. This underscores both customer confidence in and the effectiveness of our ro-ro operations in meeting the needs of trade between Turkey and Central Europe.

 

 

How has the Ukraine war affected traffic?

 

It has led to a significant increase in demand from our many Ukrainian customers, who need to rely more than ever before on stable alternative trade routes amid the horrific disruption of war. We’re pleased to support them by providing dependable ro-ro services, ensuring that they can maintain vital connections to and from Central Europe and beyond during these challenging times.