Ambarli, Kocaeli, Mersin, and Tekirdag Ports Rise in Global Rankings, Reflecting Turkiye’s Maritime Growth
Turkiye’s maritime industry continues to gain global recognition as four of its major ports—Ambarlı, Kocaeli, Mersin, and Tekirdag—have secured spots among the world’s top 100 container ports in 2024, according to Lloyd’s List’s “Top 100 Ports 2024 Report.” This achievement marks a significant milestone in Turkiye’s quest to enhance its presence in international maritime trade.
Turkiye’s Rising Port Power in 2024
Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced that the four Turkish ports have not only maintained but improved their positions in the global rankings, reflecting the nation’s growing influence in the maritime sector.
- Ambarli Port: Now ranked 64th, Ambarli has seen a remarkable rise of 10 spots from its previous 74th position. This port has experienced significant growth, with a 10.6% increase in container handling in 2023, reaching its highest levels in nine years.
- Kocaeli Port: Climbing to 85th place from 89th, Kocaeli continues to be a vital hub for Turkiye’s maritime trade. In 2023, Kocaeli handled 2.16 million TEUs, marking a 4.8% increase from the previous year.
- Mersin Port: Moving up to 91st place from 92nd, Mersin remains a key player in the Eastern Mediterranean, supporting Turkiye’s strategic position in global trade routes.
- Tekirdag Port: Holding steady at the 100th spot, Tekirdag continues to contribute to Turkiye’s maritime prowess.
Growth Driven by Strategic Investments
Minister Uraloglu emphasized the importance of these rankings as a testament to Turkiye’s strategic investments in its maritime infrastructure. The Ambarlı region, in particular, showcased exceptional performance, handling over 3.17 million TEUs in 2023, a substantial increase from the previous year. The container throughput in this region was dominated by:
- Foreign Trade: 69.7% of the containers handled were for international trade.
- Transit Cargo: 26.7% constituted transit shipments.
- Cabotage: 3.6% involved domestic cargo.
Strategic Maritime Position
Turkiye’s geographic location makes it a crucial player in global maritime activities. The significant increase in container handling at Turkish ports, especially in Ambarlı and Kocaeli, underscores the country’s potential to secure a larger share of global trade. Minister Uraloglu pointed out that the total container handling across all Turkish ports reached 12.56 million TEUs in 2023, a 1.5% increase compared to 2022.
Future Outlook
global trade hubLooking ahead, Turkiye’s maritime sector is expected to continue its upward trajectory. Minister Uraloglu expressed confidence in the ongoing developments, stating, “We foresee continued normalization and growth in the automotive sector, closely monitored by the Ministry. Our commitment to maintaining fair, competitive, and stable market conditions will ensure that Turkiye remains a key player in global trade.”
The future of Turkiye’s maritime industry looks promising, with strategic plans in place to further enhance the capabilities of its ports. As Turkiye continues to invest in its maritime infrastructure, its ports are likely to climb even higher in the global rankings, solidifying the country’s position as a significant maritime hub.
Source: AA / Prepared by Irem Yildiz