Isdemir, Turkey

Port Overview

Isdemir Port is located in southern Turkey near Iskenderun, serving the Iskenderun Iron & Steel plant. Covering a large industrial area, it is one of Turkey’s significant private ports, primarily handling bulk imports and exports of steel products. Strategically positioned on the Eastern Mediterranean, Isdemir is vital for industrial exports and regional logistics, connecting Turkey to the Middle East and global markets. The port’s annual container capacity is approximately 710,600 TEUs, with ongoing expansion aiming to reach 1.33 million TEUs.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Isdemir, located in İskenderun Bay, operates one of Turkey’s largest integrated steel plants and port facilities. The port features key terminals for bulk solid, general, and liquid cargo, with a handling capacity of 21 million tons per year. Cargo facilities include berths for iron ore, coal, steel products, and general cargo. The port is equipped with ship-to-shore cranes, mobile harbor cranes, and conveyor systems. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are not currently reported in regular operations.

Container Terminals

Isdemir Port, serving the Iskenderun Iron and Steel Works, features 5 main berths with a maximum draft of 16 meters. The port primarily handles bulk and general cargo, with limited container operations and no advanced automation. Annual capacity is focused on bulk cargo, with total throughput around 12 million tonnes; container handling is minimal. The port is operated by Iskenderun Iron & Steel Inc., part of OYAK Maden Metallurgy Group.

Port Services

• Cargo operations: Bulk cargo handling (loading and unloading of raw materials and finished products), with 24/7 operations and high-capacity cranes.
• Ship services: Pilotage, towage, mooring, waste collection, and maritime police services.
• Warehousing: Storage facilities for various cargo types.
• Customs: On-site customs clearance and inspection, operating around the clock.
• Container handling: Limited; the port primarily focuses on bulk and general cargo rather than containerized shipments.

Global Connectivity

Isdemir Port, located in Iskenderun on Turkey’s eastern Mediterranean coast, is well connected to national highways and railways, serving key industrial regions in southeastern and central Turkey. It primarily handles dry bulk cargo, especially iron ore and steel, and connects with major Turkish ports like Mersin and international markets in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Europe via established shipping routes. This connectivity supports both regional industry and global trade flows.

Port Statistics

Isdemir Port, Turkey – Key Statistics (2025):

• TEU Throughput: Approximately 710,600 TEUs (2020); recent expansion targets up to 1.334 million TEUs annually.
• World Ranking: Not in the Lloyd’s List Top 100 container ports.
• Number of Berths: 5 main berths.
• Area: Port covers about 400,000 m².
• Shipping Lines: Serviced by major regional and international lines, supporting bulk, general cargo, and containers.