A 14-Year-Old Dream Is Coming True in Dalyan Canals: 257 Boats Will Switch to Electric Motors
Within the scope of the "Electric Boat Project" started to prevent environmental pollution and noise in the Dalyan Canals, it is planned to convert 257 of the 492 commercial boats operating in the region, which have passenger motor status, to electric systems within the next 2 years.
A historic step is being taken in Dalyan, Muğla, a natural wonder and tourism center, to prevent motor and exhaust noise and carbon monoxide emissions from commercial boats operating in the canals. Özay Akdoğan, member of TÜRSAB Fethiye Western Mediterranean Regional Representative Board and President of the Ortaca Aquatic Products Cooperative, shared details of the new electric boat project that will protect the region's ecology.
We Made the First Prototype 14 Years Ago
Remembering that green energy transformation is not a new idea in the region and that they had realized the first boat prototype modules running on solar energy 14-15 years ago, Özay Akdoğan described the current state of the project with the following words:
"Currently, our Muğla Governor and Ortaca District Governor are paying close attention to this matter. The Canal Board convened and necessary commissions were established. It is planned to make changes in the model types of the boats. In the coming days, electric motor companies will implement applications on a prototype boat model determined. It is targeted that 257 out of a total of 492 commercial boats with passenger motor status will switch to electric systems within the next 2 years."
Dalyan Is Not a Short Distance Like Akyaka
Emphasizing that the transformation in Dalyan Canals requires great care due to geographical conditions, Akdoğan stated that the 492 boats operating under the Metropolitan Municipality do not only operate as shuttle boats to the beach but also cover the villages of Köyceğiz, Dalyan, Çandır, and Ekincik. Akdoğan said, "Prototype studies were carried out on short-distance boats and achieved success. However, the distance for boats coming from Köyceğiz and Ekincik is long. The transformation here is not a 15-20 minutes distance like in Akyaka. The boats, motors, batteries, and solar panels to be used in the projects must be very efficient so that they can continue their tours without interruption without needing to recharge during the day. Our Governorate and District Governorship also scrutinize these processes meticulously."
