Samsun, Turkey

Port Overview

Samsun is a major Turkish port located on the southern coast of the Black Sea, serving as the largest port in the central Black Sea region. It ranks among Turkey’s top ten ports by cargo volume and is strategically important as a gateway for trade between Anatolia, the Black Sea, and international markets, including Russia and Eastern Europe. The port handles a diverse range of cargo and has an annual container throughput capacity of approximately 400,000 TEU, supporting both regional industry and international logistics.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Samsun, Turkey’s main port facilities include dedicated bulk, general cargo, and container terminals. The port handles dry bulk, liquid bulk, containers, and Ro-Ro cargo. Key equipment includes mobile harbor cranes, shore cranes, and container handling gear. The port features modern warehouses, open storage areas, and railway connections. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are not currently in use, but the port is equipped for efficient multi-modal cargo operations.

Container Terminals

Samsun, Turkey’s container terminals feature 4 berths dedicated to container operations, with an annual handling capacity of approximately 350,000 TEU. The terminals utilize conventional equipment with limited automation, relying primarily on manual and semi-mechanized processes. Major operators include Samsunport, managed by Ceynak Group, and the public Samsun TCDD terminal. The port serves as a key gateway for Black Sea trade, supporting regional container logistics.

Port Services

Main Services at Samsun, Turkey

• Container Handling: Full container (FCL) and less-than-container (LCL) loading/unloading, transshipment, and storage.
• Cargo Operations: Bulk, breakbulk, and Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) cargo handling for vehicles, machinery, and general goods.
• Ship Services: Ship agency, crew support, bunkering, provisions, technical assistance, and port formalities.
• Warehousing: Secure storage, bonded warehousing, and cargo consolidation/deconsolidation facilities.
• Customs: Customs clearance, documentation, inspections, and compliance with import/export regulations.

Samsun Port offers integrated logistics solutions, connecting Black Sea trade with global markets through efficient, multimodal operations.

Global Connectivity

Samsun, Turkey is a key Black Sea port with direct maritime links to major regional ports such as Novorossiysk, Odessa, Constanta, and Batumi. It serves the industrial and agricultural regions of northern Turkey, acting as a gateway for exports and imports to Central Anatolia. Samsun is integrated into international shipping routes connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean, providing access to European, Russian, and Middle Eastern markets.

Port Statistics

Port of Samsun, Turkey – Key Statistics (2024):

• TEU throughput: Approximately 261,900 TEU
• World ranking: Not in the global top 100 container ports
• Number of berths: 12
• Port area: 150 hectares
• Shipping lines: Served by major carriers including MSC, Arkas, CMA CGM, and Turkon

Samsun is the largest port on Turkey’s Black Sea coast, handling containers, bulk, and general cargo.