A new container and breakbulk shipping line from Marmara to the Caspian Sea, via the Russian inland waterways, saw the completion of its trial voyage at the end of last month, connecting Turkey to the strategically-important region of Central Asia.
In 2020, approximately US$ 31.2bn in trade took place between Turkey, Russia and Central Asia. The region accounts for 6% of Turkey’s exports and 9.6% of Turkey’s imports. In the same year, US$ 17.8bn of imports and US$ 4.5bn of exports were made with Russia, one of Turkey’s largest trade partners.
The new line utilising P&O Maritime Logistics’ Multi Carrying Vessel (MCV) will mainly transport containerised products such as industrial machines, construction materials, textiles, cosmetics, white goods, and marble, while additionally offering a convenient service for breakbulk & project cargo.
The state-of-the-art container terminal at DP World Yarimca, is now one of the largest in the İzmir Gulf and Turkey, with a capacity of 1.3mn.
“With trade booming between these regions, the opening of a new sea route will undoubtedly be a boon to firms operating in these markets,” remarked Kris Adams, CEO, DP World Yarımca.
“P&O Maritime Logistics were selected because of the ability to carry both breakbulk and container cargo, which fits with the type of goods that move on this route,” commented Martin Helweg, CEO, P&O Maritime Logistics.
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