Izmit, Turkey
Izmit: A historic port city at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, vital for industry, trade, and Turkey’s maritime gateway.
Port Overview
Izmit is located on the Gulf of Izmit in the Sea of Marmara, about 100 km east of Istanbul, serving as the capital of Kocaeli Province in northwestern Turkey. It is one of Turkey’s major industrial and logistics hubs, ranking among the largest port cities in Europe. The port region hosts 35 port facilities and is the seventh-largest cargo port in Europe by tonnage, handling approximately 72 million tons annually. Its annual container throughput is around 2.5 million TEU, making it strategically vital for Turkish and international trade.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Izmit, Turkey hosts several major port facilities, including DP World Yarimca (a leading container terminal with 1.3 million TEU capacity), YILPORT Solventaş (the country’s largest liquid bulk terminal), and Euroports (specializing in forest products and general cargo). Key terminals handle containers, general cargo, RO/RO, and bulk liquids. Equipment includes gantry cranes, mobile cranes, and container handling gear. Some terminals employ advanced technology, but Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are not widely reported.
Container Terminals
Izmit, Turkey’s container terminals feature a combined 2,088 meters of berthing space and an annual handling capacity exceeding 2 million TEU. The terminals are operated by DP World Evyap, formed from the merger of DP World Yarımca and Evyapport. Automation levels are high, with advanced systems supporting efficient operations. Major operators include DP World and Evyap Group, offering integrated services for container, liquid bulk, and general cargo.
Port Services
- Container handling: Modern terminals with high capacity for containerized cargo, including loading, unloading, and storage.
- Cargo operations: Bulk, general, liquid, and project cargo handling; stevedoring and efficient vessel turnaround.
- Ship services: Pilotage, towage, bunkering, garbage collection, crew change, and ship supply.
- Warehousing: Extensive open and covered storage areas for various cargo types.
- Customs: Full customs clearance and inspection services for import and export operations.
Global Connectivity
Izmit, Turkey is a major port hub on the Gulf of Izmit, serving the industrial heartland of northwestern Turkey and the greater Istanbul region. It connects to key ports such as Ambarli (Istanbul), Gemlik, Izmir, Piraeus, Antwerp, Bremerhaven, Hamburg, and Felixstowe via established container shipping routes. The port supports efficient access to European, Mediterranean, and global markets, with strong road, rail, and air links enhancing its regional and international connectivity.
Port Statistics
Izmit (Kocaeli), Turkey – Key Port Statistics (2025):
- TEU Throughput: Approximately 1.5–1.6 million TEU annually.
- World Ranking: Not in the global top 50, but among Turkey’s top 3 container ports.
- Number of Berths: Over 35 commercial berths across multiple terminals.
- Port Area: Main port cluster stretches along the Gulf of Izmit, with terminals covering several square kilometers.
- Shipping Lines: Served by major global carriers including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and Evergreen.
