Turkey’s Karasu Port Set for Major Expansion and Modernization

The expansion of Turkey’s Karasu Port is set to triple its cargo handling capacity, with key upgrades boosting its role in Turkey’s logistics sector. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced the initiation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies for the Sakarya Karasu Port expansion project.

Turkey’s Karasu Port Expansion Details

He highlighted that the port’s general cargo handling capacity will grow from 1.5 million tons to 4.5 million tons, while container handling capacity will rise from 50,000 TEU to 150,000 TEU. The total port area will increase from 130,000 square meters to 1 million square meters, providing ample space for new operations.

Strategic Importance of Turkey’s Karasu Port

Minister Uraloğlu emphasized the significance of maritime trade in the global economy, noting that 85% of the world’s goods trade is conducted via sea routes. He shared that world maritime trade reached 12.3 billion tons in 2023, marking a 2.4% growth compared to the previous year. In Turkey, 87.5% of the foreign trade volume was transported by sea, highlighting its critical role in the nation’s economic strategy.

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Turkey’s Karasu Port’s location enhances its importance for industrial zones in Sakarya, Kocaeli, and Istanbul. The port’s operations extend its reach to provinces like Ankara, Konya, and Eskisehir, as well as the Aegean and Mediterranean regions for agricultural exports. Its strategic positioning also alleviates ship traffic in the Bosphorus, reducing transportation costs and times for businesses.

New Ro-Pax Line to Romania Enhances Connectivity

Since July 2024, a new Ro-Pax line has operated between Karasu and Constanta, Romania. This service runs four times weekly, significantly enhancing connectivity. In its initial months, 69 trips transported 7,487 passengers and vehicles. Minister Uraloğlu revealed plans to introduce a second ship to the line in early 2025, which will further enhance trade and passenger services. A new customs facility in Constanta will open additional opportunities for commercial passenger traffic.

Future Plans for Karasu Port Expansion

The port’s expansion will include increased dock capacity, allowing 11 ships to berth simultaneously, up from the current four. This development will complement the rise in general cargo, container, and Ro-Ro capacities, making Turkey’s Karasu Port a central hub in the nation’s logistics network.

With these upgrades, Turkey’s Karasu Port is poised to play a pivotal role in meeting the country’s growing trade demands and positioning it as a leader in maritime logistics.

Source, photo: www.raillynews.com

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