Turkey's two largest ferries, built in Tatvan district of Bitlis by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, revived transportation on Lake Van.
The ferries called “İdris-i Bitlisi” and “Sultan Alparslan” have a carrying capacity of 50 wagons each. In this way, while 4 tons of cargo was transported per day with the existing 1.500 ferries, 2 tons of cargo was transported per day with the 10.500 new ferries, increasing the cargo carrying capacity by 7 times.
The ferries were built in accordance with the harsh conditions of Lake Van. The ferries, each with a capacity of 350 passengers, can reach a speed of 12 knots per hour.
The ferry services are carried out by Tatvan Ferry Operations Directorate. Flights from Tatvan to Van are carried out twice a day.
Ferries make an important contribution to transportation via Lake Van. Cargo-filled wagons taken from Tatvan to Van are sent to Central Asian countries via Iran by trains from Van.
Ferry services also make a significant contribution to the regional economy. Transportation of raw materials and products of industrial establishments in the region has become faster and more economical with ferries. This situation contributes positively to the economic development of the region.