Mersin International Port celebrates milestone of handling over 25 million containers

On March 27, 2024, Mersin International Port (MIP), Turkey's leading container terminal, commemorated a significant achievement of handling more than 25 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEU) since its inception in 2007. Marking this milestone, MIP hosted a grand celebration at the East Med Hub 1 Terminal in Mersin, attended by partners, customers, government representatives, and industry associations.

MIP was initially established in 2007 as a joint venture between PSA International and Akfen, and in 2017, IFM Investors joined as a third shareholder. Since its establishment, the container volumes handled have on average grown 14.4 percent per year and in 2023 alone, MIP handled approximately 2 million TEUs. This continuous growth was made possible with a strategic investment to expand and upgrade its facilities and equipment.

To meet the evolving needs of its customers, MIP will continue to future-proof its container business by increasing its handling capacity through its USD 455 million East Med Hub 2 (EMH2) expansion project. In November 2023, MIP started construction of the second phase of EMH2, which when completed in the first quarter of 2025, will extend the quay by 380 metres to a total length of 880 metres, with a draft of 17,5 metres. This will allow two Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) of over 400 metres to berth at the same time and increase the port’s capacity from 2.6 to 3.6 million TEUs. The project also includes the purchase of eight new automated rail mounted gantry cranes (aRMGs) and four additional ship-to-shore cranes. It will also create 500 direct and 5,000 indirect employment opportunities.

At the same time, MIP remains committed to reducing its carbon footprint. By continuously investing in electrically-powered equipment and renewable energy sources, MIP plans to cut its carbon emissions in half by 2030 and be net zero by 2050.

Ajay Kumar Singh, MIP’s General Manager, believes the terminal’s future is looking bright: “I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all MIP employees for their outstanding contribution in reaching the 25 million TEU milestone so quickly. In addition, I wish to extend my gratitude to all partners, clients and government officials who have been alongside MIP in the terminal's remarkable journey.”