
Turkey has a long coastline along the Mediterranean and Black Sea, making it a significant player in global trade.
The country's strategic location has led to the development of numerous major ports, which play a vital role in its economy.
One of the busiest ports in Turkey is the Port of Istanbul, handling over 100 million tons of cargo annually.
Located on the Bosphorus Strait, it connects the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, facilitating international trade.
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Turkey Ports
Turkey has a diverse range of ports, each with its own unique characteristics and cargo handling capabilities.
The Port of Istanbul is one of the largest and busiest ports in Turkey, handling over 3 million TEUs annually. It spans over 1500 acres and offers a wide range of cargo handling services.
The Port of Izmir is another major port in Turkey, with a cargo handling capacity of over 1.5 million TEUs annually. It has approximately 1200 acres of space and can handle containers, general cargo, and Ro-Ro vessels.
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The Port of Mersin is a significant port in Turkey, with a cargo handling capacity of over 4 million TEUs annually. It spans more than 700 acres and offers a range of cargo handling services.
The Port of Antalya is a smaller port compared to the others, but it's mainly used for tourism and cruise ships. It has approximately 120 acres of space and is expanding to handle regional trade.
The Port of Iskenderun specializes in energy-related cargo, handling over 12 million tons annually. It has around 400 acres of space and is an important hub for energy trade in Turkey.
Here's a list of major Turkish ports, including their UN/LOCODE, latitude, longitude, size, and cargo handling capacity:
The Port of Gemlik is another important port in Turkey, with a cargo handling capacity of over 500,000 TEUs annually. It has approximately 200 acres of space and can handle various types of cargo.
The Port of Samsun is a smaller port compared to the others, but it's still an important hub for cargo handling in Turkey. It has around 180 acres of space and can handle various types of cargo, including general and bulk cargo.
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Black Sea Ports
The Black Sea Ports are a vital part of Turkey's maritime trade, playing a crucial role in connecting the country to the Black Sea region and beyond.
Located on the Black Sea coast, the Port of Samsun is a significant maritime facility that serves as a crucial hub for trade and transportation in the region. It offers various facilities for cargo handling, including container terminals, warehouses, and logistics services.
Samsun Port has a capacity of 1,130 ships per year and the pier length is 1756 meters. Its strategic location makes it an attractive option for companies looking to expand their presence in the Black Sea region.
The Port of Trabzon is another vital maritime hub on the Black Sea coast, operating as a major commercial port that facilitates the import and export of goods, particularly grains, ores, and general cargo. It boasts modern facilities including warehouses, container yards, and berths for vessels of various sizes.
Here are some key facts about the Black Sea Ports:
The Port of Samsun plays a vital role in facilitating both domestic and international maritime trade, contributing significantly to Turkey’s economy through efficient import and export operations.
İzmir
İzmir is a significant port in Turkey, located on the Aegean Sea. It's a key access point to the bustling Aegean region.
The Port of Izmir has modern facilities that handle containers, general cargo, and Ro-Ro operations efficiently, with a capacity of over 1.5 million TEUs annually. Its proximity to major industrial zones in Turkey enhances its importance in the country's economy.
Here are some notable facts about the Port of Izmir:
Turkish Straits and Piers
The Turkish Straits and Piers are an essential part of Turkey's maritime infrastructure. There are numerous piers along the Turkish Straits and Sea of Marmara, including Alemdar, Dilovası, and Ambarlı in Istanbul Province.
Some of the notable piers in the region include Bandırma, Derince, and Gemport. You can also find piers like Haydarpaşa, Istanbul, and İstanbul, which are strategically located for cargo handling and transportation.
Here is a list of some of the piers in the Turkish Straits and Sea of Marmara region:
- Alemdar, Dilovası
- Ambarlı, Istanbul Province
- Bandırma
- Derince
- Gemport
- Haydarpaşa, Istanbul
- İstanbul
- Kumport
- Port of Martaş
- Sedef, Dilovası
- Tekirdağ (Akport)
- Zeytinburnu (aka Zeyport)
These piers play a significant role in the region's economy, facilitating the transportation of goods and cargo.
Turkish Straits
The Turkish Straits are a vital waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, passing through the Istanbul Strait and the Dardanelles. This region is home to several major ports and piers.
The Port of Istanbul is a significant hub in this area, spanning over 1500 acres and handling over 3 million TEUs annually. It has multiple terminals, including Ambarli, Haydarpasa, Marport, and Kumport.
The Port of Istanbul has a long history, dating back to 660 BC when it was established as Byzantium. Under the Ottomans, the port underwent significant infrastructure developments, further enhancing its prominence.
Some of the notable piers in the Turkish Straits include Gemport, Kumport, and Haydarpaşa in Istanbul, as well as Bandırma, Derince, and Tekirdağ (Akport) in other parts of the region.
Here's a list of some of the major ports and piers in the Turkish Straits:
- Gemport
- Kumport
- Haydarpaşa
- Bandırma
- Derince
- Tekirdağ (Akport)
These ports and piers play a crucial role in facilitating trade between Europe and Asia, making the Turkish Straits a vital waterway for global commerce.
Piers
Piers are a vital part of the Turkish Straits, providing safe passage for ships and boats.
The Bosphorus Strait has several piers, including the Yenikapi Pier, which is a popular spot for boat tours and fishing.
The Dardanelles Strait has a total of 14 piers, ranging from small fishing piers to larger commercial piers.
The busiest pier in the Turkish Straits is the Haydarpaşa Pier, which handles a large volume of cargo and passenger traffic.
The piers in the Turkish Straits are not just functional, but also offer scenic views and opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
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Regional Gateways
Turkey's ports serve as regional gateways, connecting the country to various parts of the world. Each port has its unique set of advantages, contributing to Turkey's prominence in global maritime trade.
The Port of Izmir, located on the Aegean Sea, is a key access point to the bustling Aegean region, supporting industries like automotive, textiles, and chemicals. Its proximity to major industrial zones in Turkey enhances its importance in the country's economy.
The Port of Samsun, positioned on the Black Sea coast, plays a crucial role in connecting Turkey to the Black Sea region and beyond. Recent developments in Samsun's infrastructure have positioned it as a potential growth hub for various industries.
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Gateway to Two Continents

The Port of Istanbul is a vital gateway between Europe and Asia, connecting Eastern and Western markets. Its rich history dates back to ancient times, serving as a hub for the Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
Located at the meeting point of two continents, the Port of Istanbul is a strategic player in global trade. Its proximity to the Bosphorus Strait makes it an ideal choice for vessels transiting between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.
The port serves as a major entry and exit point for various cargo types, including containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products. Latitude: 36.8460° N.
Its latitude ranges from 36.8460° N to 36.8992° N, showcasing its unique geographical position.
Linking Turkey with the Middle East
Linking Turkey with the Middle East is a crucial aspect of regional trade. The Port of Mersin plays a vital role in this connection.
Located on the Mediterranean Sea, the Port of Mersin offers a competitive advantage in connecting Turkish products to the broader Arab world. Its strategic position enables it to facilitate trade between Turkey and the Middle East.
The port boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, capable of handling various cargo types. This includes agricultural products, machinery, and chemicals.
As a result, the Port of Mersin is a key player in the import and export of goods between Turkey and the Middle East.
Port Operations
Turkey's ports are crucial for its economy, with many serving as major cargo hubs.
The busiest port in Turkey is the Port of Istanbul, which handles over 150 million tons of cargo annually.
Located on the Bosphorus Strait, the Port of Istanbul is a significant transportation hub, connecting Europe and Asia.
The port has a total of 16 terminals and 12 container terminals.
The Port of Mersin is another major cargo hub in Turkey, handling over 50 million tons of cargo per year.
It's strategically located on the Mediterranean coast, making it an important hub for international trade.
The Port of Mersin has a total of 14 terminals and 6 container terminals.
The Port of Izmir is a significant port in western Turkey, handling over 20 million tons of cargo annually.
It's a major hub for the export of agricultural products, such as olive oil and cotton.
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Specific Ports
Mersin Port is a major seaport in southern Turkey, handling diverse cargo types including containers, bulk, and general cargo.
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Located in Mersin, Turkey, it is situated on the northeastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, benefiting from excellent transportation links.
One of the largest ports in the Eastern Mediterranean, Mersin Port serves as a vital hub for trade, connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Gemlik Port, on the other hand, is a significant maritime facility located in Gemlik, Turkey, serving various purposes including cargo handling, container shipping, and ferry services.
Situated strategically along the Sea of Marmara coast, Gemlik Port offers convenient access to international trade routes.
Both ports boast modern infrastructure and efficient handling capabilities, catering to diverse shipping needs and facilitating seamless transportation of goods.
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Iskenderun
The Port of Iskenderun is a significant maritime facility located on the southern coast of Turkey, near the Mediterranean Sea. It has a long past that goes back to ancient times, originally known as Alexandretta and founded by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC.
The port was an important commercial and naval center during the Roman and Byzantine periods, and the Ottomans recognized its strategic value in the 16th century by enhancing its facilities. In the 20th century, significant modernization and expansion efforts transformed it into a key port for trade and industry.
The Port of Iskenderun specializes in handling energy-related cargo, including oil, natural gas, and coal, with a total capacity exceeding 12 million tons annually. This makes it crucial for Turkey's energy supply chain.
Today, Iskenderun remains a major economic hub in the region, and its harbor has undergone several enlargements since the Ottoman Empire's demand for a port in the area. The Turkish government seized power over the port after it merged with Turkey, and since then, the port has continued to grow and develop.
The harbor has a quay length of 1,426 meters and an annual acceptance capacity of 640 ships.
Antalya
The Port of Antalya is a significant maritime location that has been around since ancient times. It was originally called Attaleia and was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the second century AD.
Antalya Port is a multi-purpose port that facilitates various activities including cargo handling, tourism, and yacht services. It's strategically located on the Mediterranean coast and serves as a crucial hub for trade and tourism in the region.
The port boasts modern facilities for efficient cargo handling and storage, making it a key player in promoting economic activities and maritime transportation in Turkey. It's also a major center for trade and the navy during the Roman and Byzantine periods.
UN/LOCODE for Antalya Port is TRAYT, which is a unique code assigned to the port for international identification.
İzmit
İzmit is a significant port city in Turkey and Europe, hosting 35 facilities of different scales.
It's the seventh largest European port, handling an impressive 72 million tons.
Located in the east of the Sea of Marmara, the Gulf of Izmit plays a crucial role in distributing goods produced in the region to the world.
İzmit has been an active centre of trade since ancient times and annually hosts an average of 10 thousand ships a year in the ports.
The Port of İzmit is a vital hub for trade and industry, serving as the production base of the Turkish industry.
It's worth noting that the Port of İzmit is also a major economic hub in the region, crucial for Turkey's maritime activities.
Haydarpaşa
Haydarpaşa is a significant port in İstanbul, Turkey, with a rich history dating back to 1899 when the Anatolian Baghdad Railways Company started building it.
It's the largest port in İstanbul after Ambarlı, handling six million metric tons of cargo annually. The port serves as a cargo seaport, ro-ro, and container terminal, with two large piers and 21 berths for various types of vessels.
One of the longest berths is over 400 meters long, used for general cargo and dry bulk.
The port has been under the control of the Railways Administration since 1924.
Efforts are underway to make the Port of Haydarpaşa more environmentally friendly and sustainable, with expected finalization by 2023.
Gemlik
Gemlik is a significant maritime facility located in Turkey, serving various purposes including cargo handling, container shipping, and ferry services. It's situated strategically along the Sea of Marmara coast, offering convenient access to international trade routes.
Gemlik Port area covers approximately 200 acres, making it a relatively small but efficient port. It handles various cargo types, including containers and bulk cargo, with an annual capacity exceeding 500,000 TEUs.
Gemlik's strategic location on the Sea of Marmara facilitates efficient transportation to Istanbul and surrounding regions. This makes it an important hub for trade and commerce in the region.
The Port of Gemlik has a rich history, dating back to ancient times when it was known as Myrleia. During the Roman and Byzantine periods, it served as a significant commercial hub, and the Ottomans further developed the port in the 19th century.
Here are some key facts about Gemlik Port:
- UN/LOCODE: TRGEM
- Size: Approximately 200 acres
- Cargo Handling: Various cargo types, including containers and bulk cargo
- Annual Capacity: Exceeding 500,000 TEUs
Energy and Beyond
The Port of Iskenderun is a crucial hub for Turkey's energy sector, handling a significant portion of the country's energy imports and exports.
This port plays a vital role in supplying energy resources to power the nation, making it a backbone of Turkey's economic infrastructure.
Iskenderun's importance extends beyond energy, as it also supports industries like agriculture, steel, and cars, making it a vital cog in Turkey's economic growth machine.
Its continuous development is essential for Turkey's economic growth, and its impact can be seen in the country's thriving industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the chief seaport of Turkey?
Istanbul is the largest city and principal seaport of Turkey, serving as a gateway between Europe and Asia.
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