The eighth of the 15 new passenger vessels, constructed at the Özata Shipyard in Yalova by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and named by the people of Izmir, has been completed and put into service. The vessel has been given the name “Gode Cengiz,” nicknamed of Cengiz Kocatoros.

The eighth of the 15 new passenger vessels, brought to the city by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and named by the people of Izmir, has been completed and put into service. The vessel, named after the legendary football player of Karşıyaka Sports Club, known as “Gode Cengiz,” Cengiz Kocatoros, embarked on its maiden voyage in a ceremony attended by the Mayor of Metropolitan Municipality, Aziz Kocaoğlu. Kocaoğlu, in his speech at the ceremony, said, “We set out on a journey with Turkey’s most enlightened and loyal people. Being in Izmir, living in Izmir, serving as the mayor in Izmir is truly the greatest honour that can be given to a person.”

The vessel, constructed at the Özata Shipyard in Yalova and recently delivered, began its services after trials and a ceremony. The ceremony at Bostanlı Pier was attended by Mayor Kocaoğlu, along with Members of Parliament, district mayors, Karşıyaka Sports Club President and officials, Cengiz Kocatoros’ wife Zerrin Kocatoros, son Tayfun Kocatoros, daughter Gamze Kocatoros Çelik, granddaughter Lal, and many Karşıyakalı residents. Kocaoğlu stated during the ceremony that they transport passengers between Karşıyaka, Güzelyalı, Üçkuyular, Konak, Pasaport, and Alsancak with the purpose of improving gulf transportation. He also mentioned that, “With Cengiz Kocatoros, our eighth vessels are in service now. Later, our vessels named Gürsel Aksel, Sait Altınordu, Vahap Özaltay, and Metin Oktay will follow. The first of the car ferries we acquired is also in service. Two more car ferries named Ahmet Piriştina and Kubilay are on their way. As these vessels sail in the gulf, their names will live on.”

Ali Erten, the President of Karşıyaka Sports Club, expressed the sadness of losing two great figures, Lemi Yerli and İbrahim Yegül, in the past two days. He mentioned, “Naming one of the new vessels after our great captain somewhat alleviates our great sorrow. On behalf of the big Karşıyaka family, I thank everyone who contributed to keeping this name alive.” Zerrin Kocatoros also expressed her gratitude to Mayor Kocaoğlu and everyone involved in the project.