After a 14-year hiatus, ferry services between Trabzon, Türkiye, and Sochi, Russia, officially resumed – or were expected to. The Seabridge ferry, operated by Lider Line, set sail from Trabzon on schedule, marking what was meant to be a milestone in reviving tourism and trade across the Black Sea. However, the vessel has not yet received permission to enter the Russian port of Sochi, according to local port authorities.

Yuri Vladimirov, General Director of the Sochi Sea Port, said that access to the port is currently restricted due to ongoing maritime exercises, which have temporarily closed parts of the harbor area.

The Seabridge, carrying 20 people on board – including two Turkish nationals and 18 Russian citizens – remains en route, awaiting clearance to dock.

Despite the delay, regional officials remain hopeful that the ferry line, once fully operational, will help strengthen tourism ties and economic exchange between the two countries.