Ro-Ro transportation in the Mediterranean:: Mersin-TRNC

This study focuses on Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) transportation between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), with a particular emphasis on the Mersin–TRNC route. It evaluates the economic and logistical dimensions of this transportation model. Ro-Ro transport offers significant advantages in terms of time and cost by enabling wheeled vehicles to be loaded and unloaded from vessels under their own power, thereby ensuring uninterrupted transitions between land and sea transport modes. Turkey's strategic location and its ports opening to the Mediterranean position this transportation model as a critical component in regional logistics. Based on transport data from 2020 to 2024, the Mersin–Gazimağusa, Taşucu–Girne, Mersin–Girne, and Taşucu–Gazimağusa Ro-Ro routes were compared in terms of number of voyages, cargo volume, and number of vehicles transported. The analysis reveals that the Mersin–Gazimağusa route constitutes the backbone of the system, recording the highest figures in voyage frequency, vehicle, and cargo volume. This route is followed, in order of volume, by the Taşucu–Girne, Mersin–Girne, and Taşucu–Gazimağusa routes. In terms of freight transport, Gazimağusa Port emerges as the most prominent hub. However, infrastructure deficiencies and capacity limitations at the ports of Gazimağusa and Girne hinder transport efficiency and pose significant obstacles to sustainable growth. In this context, it is recommended to modernize port infrastructures, revise voyage planning according to seasonal demand, and develop a more integrated transport structure. This study aims to contribute to both scientific discourse and strategic policy development for enhancing Ro-Ro transportation between Turkey and the TRNC.