MOGADISHU, Somalia – Turkish container shipping company Akkon Lines received a formal welcome in Mogadishu on Thursday as it launched a new direct maritime service linking Somalia and Türkiye, a move expected to strengthen trade ties and improve cargo transportation between the two countries.
The inauguration of the service was attended by representatives of the Somali government, port authorities, business leaders, and officials from Akkon Lines. The new route will provide direct shipping connections between Somali ports and Türkiye, reducing transit times and logistics costs for importers and exporters.
Officials said the service marks an important step in enhancing economic cooperation between Somalia and Türkiye, which have developed close diplomatic and commercial relations over the past decade. The direct maritime link is expected to facilitate the movement of goods, improve supply chain efficiency, and create new opportunities for Somali businesses seeking access to Turkish and international markets.
Business leaders welcomed the development, noting that Somali traders have often relied on indirect shipping routes through regional hubs. The direct connection is expected to simplify cargo operations and increase the volume of trade between the two countries.
Akkon Lines representatives said the company is committed to providing reliable and efficient shipping services to support Somalia’s growing economy and expanding international trade network. They added that Somalia’s strategic location along key maritime routes makes it an important market for future investment and commercial cooperation.
Economists say the launch of the service could also boost Somalia’s export sector, particularly in fisheries, livestock, sesame, and other agricultural products, by providing faster access to overseas markets.
The new shipping route comes as Somalia continues efforts to modernize its transport infrastructure, attract foreign investment, and strengthen its integration into regional and global trade networks.
