Erkport Signs Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Yantai Port Group

Operating in the maritime transport and port services sector in Izmir since 2013, Erkport has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Yantai Port Group to launch a new era in sea transport running from China to Istanbul. Under the "Two Ports One Road" Agreement, finished vehicle logistics, heavy equipment, project cargo and Ro-Ro transport will be carried out between Yantai Port in China and Haydarpaşa Port.

The "Two Ports One Road" project, which will turn Haydarpaşa Port into a transhipment hub and make a significant regional contribution to Turkish ports and ports in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, will position Istanbul as a logistics hub between Europe, Africa and the Far East. Through the project, Yantai Port, which is the main transhipment center for Korean, Japanese and Australian ports, will facilitate the annual transport of 100,000 passenger vehicles under the Erkport banner, while heavy equipment and commercial vehicle transport to developing markets will be realized. The project aims to accelerate automotive exports while making it easier for businesses to procure raw materials.

Istanbul now plays a bridge role between Europe and the Far East

Erkport Port Services Board Chairman Tolga Emrah Gezgin, meeting with Song Junji, Deputy Governor of Shandong Province in China, Jiang Kai, General Manager of Yantai Port Group, and Erkport's China representatives, said: "We bring cargo and containers from Japan and Korea through Yantai Port to Haydarpaşa Port, and from there to the entire Black Sea region, North Africa and East Mediterranean ports. Through feeder vessels undertaking the transfer mission, we provide transport services from Haydarpaşa Port as a transhipment hub to Romania and Poti, the port city of Georgia. With the Two Ports One Road project, Istanbul is no longer just a bridge between Asia and Europe; it is now playing a bridge role between Europe and the Far East. An economically historic rapprochement has begun between China and Turkey, and as Erkport, we are pleased to be pioneers in this. China views Turkey as an important location in terms of manufacturing activities, and this step is truly a major move to strengthen logistics infrastructure between the two countries. As Erkport, we have become architects of this move. By using the Suez Canal, we create a speed advantage for our customers, and we are among the few carriers crossing the Red Sea. This naturally means cost advantage and speed for our customers," he said.

Turkey market will become attractive for Chinese investors

Yantai Port Group General Manager Jiang Kai, noting that Turkey is a major importer country and its logistics infrastructure is attracting the attention of new investors from China, stated: "As our relations with Turkey strengthen with each passing day, this cooperation has become an extremely important step for us. The start of regular liner services between Chinese and Turkish ports and the strengthening of logistics infrastructure will further reinforce our commercial ties, contribute to the economic growth of both countries, and make the Turkish market attractive for Chinese investors. Simplifying and accelerating transit transport procedures will increase global trade volume."