Overview
- The ferry received permission to enter Russian waters and will anchor for inspection before proceeding to the Port of Sochi.
- Entry was earlier delayed by Black Sea Fleet live-fire drills in the port area, while organizers say final operational approvals followed prior clearances on November 6.
- There are 20 passengers on board, including 18 Russian nationals and 2 Turkish citizens.
- The Trabzon–Sochi line is officially registered by Russia’s Transport Ministry as a year-round service through the end of 2027, according to SVS Shipping.
- Krasnodar Krai Governor Veniamin Kondratyev opposes the launch, citing an October test trip he says lacked receiving-side consent, and his administration is preparing an appeal to the ministry.