Erkport Signs Strategic Partnership Agreement with Yantai Port Group

Foreks - Erkport, which has been active in the maritime transport and port services sector in İzmir since 2013, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Yantai Port Group to initiate a new era in maritime transport from China to Istanbul.

Under the "Two Ports One Road" Agreement, finished vehicle logistics, construction machinery, project cargo, and Ro-Ro transportation will be carried out between China's Yantai Port and Haydarpaşa Port. The "Two Ports One Road" project, which will transform Haydarpaşa Port into a transfer port, is expected to significantly contribute to Turkish ports and regional ports in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, turning Istanbul into a logistics hub between Europe, Africa, and the Far East. With the project, the signature of Erkport will facilitate the transportation of 100,000 passenger vehicles annually through Yantai Port, which serves as the main transfer hub for ports in Korea, Japan, and Australia, while also facilitating the transportation of construction machinery and commercial vehicles to emerging markets. The project aims to boost automotive exports and also ensure easier procurement of raw materials for businesses.

Istanbul now plays a bridging role between Europe and the Far East.

Erkport Port Services Board Chairman Tolga Emrah Gezgin, along with Chinese officials including Shandong Province Deputy Governor Song Junji and Yantai Port Group General Manager Jiang Kai, stated, “We are transporting loads and containers from Japan and Korea through Yantai Port to Haydarpaşa Port, from where we reach the entire Black Sea region, Northern Africa, and Eastern Mediterranean ports. Through feeder ships acting in a transport role, we provide transportation services from Haydarpaşa Port to Romania and the port city of Poti in Georgia. With the Two Ports One Road project, Istanbul is not only a bridge between Asia and Europe but is also taking on a bridge role between Europe and the Far East. A historic economic rapprochement has begun between China and Turkey, and we are pleased to lead this effort as Erkport. China sees Turkey as a significant location for production activities, and this step is a major move to strengthen the logistics infrastructure between the two countries. As Erkport, we have been one of the architects of this move. By using the Suez Canal, we create speed advantages for our customers and we are one of the few carriers crossing the Red Sea. This undoubtedly means cost advantages and speed for our customers," he added.

Turkey's market will become attractive for Chinese investors.

Yantai Port Group General Manager Jiang Kai stated, "Turkey is a major importing country, and its logistics infrastructure attracts the interest of new investors from China. As our relations with Turkey continue to strengthen day by day, this collaboration has become an extremely important step for us. The commencement of regular line transportation between Chinese and Turkish ports and the strengthening of the logistics infrastructure will further enhance our commercial ties, contributing to the economies of both countries and making the Turkish market attractive for Chinese investors. Facilitating transit transportation processes and gaining speed will also increase the global trade volume."