Sakarya Expands to the World with Karasu Port Gateway

Karasu Port, one of the closest ports to Black Sea countries, contributes significantly to Turkey's economy through cargo handling services, Ro-Ro operations, and logistics.

Karasu Port, located in Sakarya, started construction in 1994 and began operations in 2017. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the port handled 29,000 vehicles through Ro-Ro operations and processed 880,000 tons of general cargo.

In 2021, the port achieved 1.1 million tons of cargo handling and 50,000 vehicle Ro-Ro operations, welcoming 481 vessels throughout the year. This year, 700,000 tons of cargo and 12,500 vehicle Ro-Ro operations have been conducted so far.

• Karasu Port has an annual capacity of 1.5 million tons of general cargo, 50,000 containers, and 50,000 Ro-Ro cargo vehicles. Upon completion of the second phase and railway connection, the capacity will increase significantly.
• Once the second phase is completed, Karasu Port will handle 6 million tons of general cargo, 150,000 containers, and 110,000 Ro-Ro vehicles per year, enhancing its strategic importance for regional trade.
• Due to the Russia-Ukraine war, Ro-Ro operations to Ukraine have been suspended since February. However, the Ro-Ro route to Russia's Kavkaz Port continues with an average of 250 vehicles transported per week.
• Karasu Port's strategic location offers cost-effective transport options compared to other ports after passing through the Bosporus Strait. The port can simultaneously accommodate four ships and is equipped with cranes and other essential facilities.
• The port provides customs, maritime health services, tax-free fuel stations, X-ray scanning, and other essential operations, employing 120 people directly and supporting 500 jobs indirectly.