Mersin International Port launches USD 455 million capacity increase project under the motto ‘Together for Mersin’

On 17 November 2023 Mersin International Port Management Inc. (MIP), a joint venture between PSA International, Akfen and IFM, launched its USD 455 million East Med Hub 2 (EMH2) Project. The ceremony was graced by the attendance of Mersin Governor Ali Hamza Pehlivan and Deputy Governor Ibrahim Küçük, Commander of the Mediterranean and Regional Garrison Commander Rear Admiral Murat Fırat, Singapore Ambassador to the Republic of Türkiye Kok Li Peng, MIP Chairman Flemming Dalgaard, city protocol, sector representatives and company executives.

EMH2 will significantly expand MIP’s terminal in Mersin by increasing its capacity from 2.6 million TEU to 3.6 million TEU. The quay will be extended by 380 metres to a total length of 880 metres, with a draft of 18 metres. This will allow MIP to handle two Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULVCs) of up to 400 metres simultaneously. MIP plans to complete the first phase of EMH2 by the first quarter of 2025 and finish the project by the end of the first quarter 2026. The project also includes the purchase of eight new automated rail mounted gantry cranes (aRMGs) and four additional ship-to-shore cranes.

EMH2, which was launched under the motto ‘Together for Mersin’, will contribute significantly to Türkiye and Mersin's economy. It will create direct employment opportunities for 500 people while creating indirect job opportunities for an additional 5,000 people. MIP’s Partner, the Turkish MNC Dougus group, will construct the civil structure for MIP. Concurrently, MIP shareholders signed an MOU with Mersin Tarsus industrial Zone to set up a logistics park within an area of 200,000 square metres.

MIP General Manager Ajay Kumar Singh stated, “MIP has made investments that will carry the terminal into the future and strengthen its position in world trade day by day in the centenary year of the Turkish Republic.” Singh added, "We focus on providing added value to the development of the region and Türkiye’s economy with the investments we have made so far. We will contribute to both employment and the strategic position of Mersin International Port in world trade. We are excited and happy to execute this investment, which is a project of pride for Türkiye in every aspect, in the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic."

David Yang, PSA’s Regional CEO for EuroMed and Americas, said, “The investment is a clear demonstration of our unwavering dedication to the continued growth and excellence of the port, at the same time curbing our environmental impact by introducing sustainable infrastructure and equipment such as electrified automated rail mounted gantry cranes, electrified quay cranes, a fuel efficient tugboat and energy efficient buildings.”

Mersin Governor Ali Hamza Pehlivan said in his speech, “MIP is holding a multi-purpose event this evening. While this event is attributed to our Republic’s 100th anniversary, it also constitutes the promotion of the expansion project in Mersin Port for which we have today laid the foundation of its construction.”