Mersin International Port (“MIP”), with its modern infrastructure and equipment, efficient cargo handling, vast storage area and excellent hinterland and transshipment connections to Anatolia, Black Sea and Middle East, stands out as one of the most important ports of Turkey, Middle East and East Mediterranean region. With its fast developing hinterland, MIP currently is the biggest port of Turkey.
For 36 years, the operation rights for the Mersin Port – owned by the Turkish State Railways (“TCDD”) – was awarded to the PSA-AKFEN Joint Venture Group, after placing the highest bid of US$ 755 million in the tender held by the Privatization Administration. The 50/50 joint venture announced the establishment of MIP in the Trade Registry Gazette no. 6804, dated May 9, 2007.
MIP took over the operation of the Mersin Port from TCDD after signing a concessionary contract entitled “Contract for the Transfer of Operation Rights of the Mersin Port for 36 Years” on May 11, 2007 with the Privatization Administration and TCDD.
Our partner PSA International, one of the world’s largest port operators of the world, was established in 1972 in Singapore. PSA International’s Singapore terminals operate as the world’s largest transshipment center. MIP, with the combined strength of Akfen Holding and PSA, aims to create a business plan that will increase its service quality, which will benefit its customers as well as the provincial and national economy.
In October 2017, following Akfen Holding’s 40% stake sale, IFM Investor also became one of the shareholders of the company.
Covering a total space of 1,240,000 square meters, the Mersin Port has 21 piers with a total length of 3,370 meters. The port provides services to ships that transport containers, dry and liquid bulk freight, general cargo, project cargo, ro-ro, passengers and live animals. Its piers are able to accommodate ships with up to 15-meter drafts.
Mersin Port is Turkey’s largest multi-purpose port, capable of providing all port services at the same site. Its proximity to the Free Zone also makes it a unique port.
