[86628] Marine giant Saipem 7000 crosses the Bosphorus Strait; traffic halted

The Bosphorus Strait has been closed due to the passage of the giant vessel Saipem 7000

Today, June 17, 2026, a dramatic crossing was reported in the heart of Istanbul: one of the world's largest marine work vessels, the 'Saipem 7000', has entered the Bosphorus Strait. According to the gdh channel and the Sansürsüz Medya +18 channel, this is a "semi-submersible crane vessel" among the largest of its kind in the world.

The Sondakika Haber Gündem channel noted that the ship, which is used, among other things, for "natural gas pipeline laying works," turned the passage into a complex logistical event. The Haber Gündem channel described what is happening as a breathtaking event, defining the ship as a "giant of the seas" with a length of "198 meters."

Due to the exceptional size of the ship, Haber Gündem reports that "the Bosphorus was closed to two-way vessel traffic" to allow for a safe passage. The ship, which is making its way from Libya to Romania, is being escorted by forces of the Turkish Coast Guard, including the rescue vessel 'Nenehatun' as well as several tugboats and professional pilots ensuring the safe passage of the giant through the narrow waterway.