A new era of transportation is set to begin in The Gambia with the launch of Selimiye Istanbul, a ferry service that will enhance the movement of people and vehicles between Banjul and Barra.
The unveiling of the ferry took place in the waters off Banjul, attended by officials from Turkish company Negmar Investment Corporation and the Turkish Ambassador to The Gambia.
Negmar, a private company from Turkey, established a presence in The Gambia in 2021, seeking a partnership for a ferry service. This marks Negmar as the first private ferry operator in the country, following an agreement between the Gambian and Turkish governments.
According to Hali Gai, Deputy General Manager of Negmar, the total investment for the project is approximately $32 million. The company has been granted land to build new ferry terminals in Banjul and Barra. The Banjul terminal will be located near the former Radio Syd station, while the Barra terminal will be built behind the Gambia Ferry Service complex.
The Selimiye Istanbul, built in 2004, is a European model designed to provide a comfortable and efficient travel experience. It can carry about 600 passengers and 80 vehicles, with thousands expected to be transported daily across the river. The ferry features air-conditioned seating, refreshment areas, and a premium seating section. Life jackets are stored under each seat, and ticket booths are available for easy access.
Organ Demipal, Acting Managing Director of Negmar, who has spent the past two years working on the project, said testing operations will begin soon as terminal construction nears completion. He emphasized that the ferry will operate on a strict schedule with no delays.
Turkish Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E. Türker Oba, highlighted the significant benefits for Gambians, noting that one of the country’s major challenges has been the movement of people, especially crossing to the north bank. This new service is expected to ease that burden.
The introduction of Negmar’s ferry will also create healthy competition in the transport sector, complementing services provided by the Gambia Ferry Services for the movement of people, goods, and vehicles to the North Bank Region.
