Karasu Port, As the first and only port of Sakarya, plays an important role in Turkey's trade and logistics infrastructure. IC İçtaş Sakarya Karasu Port Investment and Operation Inc. (IC Karasu Port), which was put into service in 2017, has made significant contributions to the country's economy since its opening. According to the statements of Port Director Gökçen Erdem, with the expansion of the port and the completion of the railway connection, significant increases in export and import capacities are expected. In this article, we discuss the current status of Karasu Port, the problems experienced and its future goals in detail.
Current Situation of Karasu Port
Export and Import Data
In the first 2024 months of 11, export and import activities carried out from Karasu Port are as follows:
- General cargo loads: Total 1 million 48 thousand tons.
- Ro-Ro transportation: 29 thousand times.
Port Manager Erdem said that these figures have been flat for the last three years, but there has been an increase in Ro-Ro cargo in particular. The negative effects of the Russia-Ukraine war are seen He stated that while 2021 thousand Ro-Ro trips were made in 50, this figure is expected to close at 33 thousand this year.
Challenges Encountered
Some of the key factors affecting the performance of Karasu Port are:
- Effects of War: The Russia-Ukraine war caused a serious decline in Ro-Ro cargo in particular.
- Lack of Logistics Infrastructure: The fact that the port is connected only by road limits transportation opportunities for national scale companies.
- Capacity Issues: The current capacity of the port may be insufficient to meet the increasing demands.
The Future of the Port: Growth and Railway Projects
Importance of Railway Connection
According to Port Director Gökçen Erdem, Karasu Railway Project, has a key role to increase the capacity of the port. With this project, it is planned to connect the port to the national railway network. Thus:
- A wider logistics network will be established.
- Transportation costs will be reduced.
- Companies from all over Turkey will be able to use the port more effectively.
Erdem emphasized the importance of the project by saying, “The railway will not only increase the export and import capacity of our port, but will also provide more economical solutions for companies.”
Growth Studies and Ministry Support
Work on the expansion of Karasu Port continues rapidly. Zoning and EIA studies has already started and it is stated that the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure is making an intensive effort to expand the port. Port Director Erdem, Visit of Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu He stated that they expect this process to accelerate further.
Contributions to the Regional Economy
Integration with Organized Industrial Zones (OSB)
Karasu Port, Sakarya and surrounding areas Organized Industrial Zones (OSB) It provides a great logistical advantage for the port. With the expansion of the port:
- It will be possible to export products produced in OIZs more easily.
- Importation of raw materials through the port will become easier.
- Access to global markets for companies operating in the region will increase.
Erdem summarized the impact of the port on the regional economy by saying, “The growth of the Organized Industrial Zones will not contribute to the expansion of our port, on the contrary, the growth of the port will contribute to the development of the Organized Industrial Zones.”
Turkey's Logistics and Trade Potential
Strategic Location of Karasu Port
Karasu Port has a strategic location in the Marmara Region. In order to compete with a strong logistics center like Izmit, the port's capacity needs to be increased and its infrastructure needs to be strengthened. The expansion of the port will both increase regional competitiveness and make significant contributions to Turkey's overall trade volume.
Role in International Trade
In line with Turkey's growing export targets, the development of ports in terms of capacity and infrastructure is of great importance. Karasu Port is a critical infrastructure investment to achieve these targets. With the expansion of the port and the completion of the railway connection:
- The volume of international trade will be increased.
- Turkey's logistics costs will be reduced.
- The region will become an important actor in global trade.
Karasu Port has great potential as part of Turkey’s vision to develop its logistics infrastructure and increase its trade capacity. As Port Director Gökçen Erdem stated, the expansion of the port and the completion of the railway connection will strengthen the regional economy and further solidify Turkey’s place in international trade. These projects, which are expected to gain momentum with the visit of Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, have the potential to make Karasu Port one of the most important trade centers of the Marmara Region.
