Kerch (Crimea Russia-Ukraine)

Kerch (port locode UAKEH) is an Azov-Black Sea port and city on the Crimean Peninsula, with a population of around 150,000. Since 2014, it has been under the Russian Federation's control as part of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. The other major Russian Crimean ports are Sevastopol, Yalta, Feodosia, and Yevpatoria.

Kerch Strait separates the Azov Sea from the Black Sea. In 2015-2018, the Crimean Bridge was built. This is a combined road-rail bridge (actually 2 parallel bridges). By length (11 km / 11 ml), the Crimean Bridge is ranked Europe's longest. The bridge connects Kerch directly to Taman (Krasnodar Krai, Russia).

The town (under the name Panticapaeum) was founded as a Greek colony in the 7th century BC, making it one of the oldest Crimean cities. In the 6th-7th centuries AD, the town (renamed Bospor) was ruled by the Byzantine Empire (395-1453) and developed under Greek Christianity. In the 7th century, it was conquered by the Khazars and renamed Karcha. In the late 10th century, Khazaria was conquered by the Kievan Rus.

In the 13th century, Crimea was invaded by the Mongols. In 1318 AD, the town (named Cerco) became a colony of the Republic of Genoa (1005-1797). In 1475, it became part of the Ottoman Empire (1299-1922), renamed Kerch, and served as a slave market. In 1790, it became part of the Russian Empire (1721-1917). In the early 19th century, Kerch became a major trade hub and fishing port.

Today, Kerch is an important seaport (locode UAKEH) and resort destination, with main industries: metallurgy, shipbuilding, ship repairs, floating docks, commercial fishing, tourism, aircraft repairs, oil and gas, manufacturing (glass-optics, instruments, machinery.