TR plus three-character location code
A Turkey UN/LOCODE is generally written as TR followed by three letters. Examples in the indexed sample include TRMER for Mersin, TRALI for Izmir, and TRAMB for Ambarli.
Seaports in Turkey: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026)
Turkey has 94 ports and terminals indexed in the Ecer Freight database and serves as a strategic maritime gateway between Europe, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean, and markets across the Middle East.
Use this guide to compare Turkey port codes, principal container gateways, regional cargo clusters, and indicative trade-lane planning considerations.
Turkey Port Overview
Turkey has a broad port network on the Aegean, Marmara, Mediterranean, and Black Sea coasts. The indexed-port count below is an Ecer Freight database measure, while the other indicators use national or port-sector reporting where comparable figures are available.
94
Turkey ports & terminals indexed in our database
Ecer Freight database · Oct 2026
~13.6m
Container throughput, approximately 2025; year-on-year change subject to final MOT consolidation
MOT 2025 port statistics
~550m
Port cargo handling, tonnes, 2025; year-on-year change varies by cargo segment
MOT 2025 maritime bulletin
—
National commercial-berth total, 2025; comparable consolidated figure not published in the reviewed source set
MOT 2025 infrastructure reporting
How many seaports does Turkey have?
Turkey has 94 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in its October 2026 port database snapshot. This is an indexed coverage figure, not a claim that every facility has the same commercial or container role.
Which are Turkey’s largest or busiest container gateways?
The principal container gateways in the indexed sample include Ambarli (TRAMB), Mersin (TRMER), Izmir (TRALI), Izmit (TRIZT), Tekirdag (TRTEK), and Iskenderun (TRISK). Relative rankings can change by year and by whether terminals are consolidated into a port complex.
Which regions handle most Turkey freight?
The Marmara region, including Ambarli, Izmit, Gemlik, and Tekirdag, is a major industrial and container cluster. The Aegean gateway around Izmir and the Mediterranean gateways at Mersin and Iskenderun provide important links for western Turkey, Central Anatolia, and export-oriented manufacturing.
Top Ports in Turkey by Container and Freight Role
The table highlights the leading ports and port complexes represented in the supplied Ecer Freight sample. Global rank and 2025 throughput figures are shown only where a comparable public ranking or port-level release can be confirmed; terminal consolidation practices can affect comparisons.
Selected Turkey gateways and indicative 2025 container reporting
| World rank | Port | UN-LOCODE | 2025 throughput (M TEU) | YoY change | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Ambarli | TRAMB | — | — | Marmara |
| — | Mersin | TRMER | — | — | Eastern Mediterranean |
| — | Izmir | TRALI | — | — | Aegean |
| — | Izmit | TRIZT | — | — | Marmara |
| — | Tekirdag | TRTEK | — | — | Thrace and Marmara |
| — | Iskenderun | TRISK | — | — | Eastern Mediterranean |
| — | Gemlik | TRGEM | — | — | Southern Marmara |
| — | Samsun | TRSAM | — | — | Black Sea |
A single audited 2025 port-level league table covering all Turkish facilities was not available in the reviewed public source set. For quotation or carrier-selection decisions, terminal-level data should be confirmed against the current port authority or operator release.
Turkey Port Regions and Cargo Clusters
Marmara and Istanbul
The Marmara cluster serves Istanbul, Bursa, Kocaeli, and Turkey’s largest manufacturing concentration. It includes major container terminals, Ro-Ro facilities, automotive supply-chain gateways, and feeder connections through the Sea of Marmara.
Selected Marmara ports
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ambarli | TRAMB | Istanbul / — | Container, transshipment, general cargo |
| Kumport | TRKMX | Istanbul / — | Container gateway |
| Izmit | TRIZT | Izmit / — | Container, liquid bulk, industrial cargo |
| Gemlik | TRGEM | Gemlik / — | Container, automotive, general cargo |
| Tekirdag | TRTEK | Tekirdag / — | Container and industrial cargo |
| Asyaport | TRASY | Tekirdag / — | Deep-sea container and feeder services |
| Derince | TRDER | — / — | Automotive, bulk, and general cargo |
Aegean Coast
Aegean ports connect western Turkey with European, North African, and Mediterranean markets. Izmir and nearby facilities handle containers, project cargo, agricultural products, and industrial exports.
Selected Aegean ports
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Izmir | TRALI | Izmir / — | Container, general cargo, regional exports |
| Izmir | TRIZM | Izmir / — | Port and terminal operations in the Izmir area |
| Nemrut Bay | TRNEM | Nemrut Bay / — | Container, bulk, and industrial cargo |
| Dikili | TRDIK | Dikili / — | Bulk and regional general cargo |
| Kusadasi | TRKUS | Kusadasi / — | Cruise, passenger, and local cargo |
| Gulluk | TRGUL | Gulluk / — | Bulk minerals and agricultural cargo |
Mediterranean Coast
The Mediterranean cluster supports containerized exports, agricultural products, energy-related cargo, and inland markets in Central and southeastern Turkey. Mersin is a key gateway for regional distribution.
Selected Mediterranean ports
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mersin | TRMER | Mersin / — | Container, agricultural exports, general cargo |
| Iskenderun | TRISK | Iskenderun / — | Container, steel, bulk, and project cargo |
| Antalya | TRANT | Antalya / — | General cargo, passenger, and regional trade |
| Dortyol | TRDOR | Dortyol / — | Energy, liquid bulk, and industrial cargo |
| Tasucu | TRTAS | Tasucu / — | Short-sea, project, and regional cargo |
Black Sea Coast
Black Sea ports provide access to regional trade with the Caucasus, Ukraine, Russia, and other Black Sea markets, subject to operating conditions, sanctions screening, and carrier service availability.
Selected Black Sea ports
| Port | UN-LOCODE | City / Province | Main cargo role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsun | TRSAM | Samsun / — | Container, Ro-Ro, bulk, and regional cargo |
| Samsun | TRSSX | Samsun / — | Port and terminal operations in Samsun |
| Trabzon | TRTRA | Trabzon / — | General cargo, regional trade, and transit cargo |
| Giresun | TRGIR | Giresun / — | Bulk agricultural and general cargo |
| Hopa | TRHOP | Hopa / — | Regional general cargo and border trade |
| Fatsa | TRFAT | Fatsa / — | Bulk and regional cargo |
Turkey Port Codes and UN/LOCODE Format
Turkey port identifiers normally use the country prefix TR followed by a three-character location code. The exact code should be checked against the booking instruction, bill of lading, customs record, and carrier system before shipment release.
City-level and terminal-level distinctions
One metropolitan port area may contain several terminal or facility records. Istanbul, Kumport, Ambarli, and other Marmara entries should therefore be matched to the actual load or discharge terminal rather than selected only by city name.
How to verify a Turkey port code
Compare the code with the UNECE UN/LOCODE directory, the carrier’s booking platform, and the Ecer Freight port code directory. Port names and terminal records can differ between systems.
Shipping from Turkey: Main Trade Lanes
Turkey’s location supports short-sea, feeder, and deep-sea connections. Transit times are indicative only and depend on the named terminal, service rotation, transshipment, customs procedures, and seasonal operating conditions.
Turkey to Northern Europe
Containerized machinery, textiles, automotive parts, appliances, and consumer goods commonly move from Marmara and Aegean gateways into Northern European networks.
Turkey to the Mediterranean
Short-sea services connect Turkey with Italy, Spain, France, Greece, and other Mediterranean markets, often supporting industrial and retail supply chains.
Turkey to the Middle East
Mersin and Iskenderun are strategically positioned for cargo serving the Levant, Gulf connections, and inland distribution corridors, subject to current service and security conditions.
Turkey to the Black Sea
Black Sea routes support regional container, bulk, Ro-Ro, and general cargo flows. Route availability and transit times are especially subject to carrier schedules and operating restrictions.
Data Sources and Methodology
The page separates Ecer Freight’s indexed coverage from national throughput and port-sector statistics. Figures that depend on terminal consolidation, reporting period, or carrier methodology should be confirmed before commercial decisions are made.
- Ecer Freight Ports Database — first-party indexed coverage of 94 Turkey ports and terminals, snapshot October 2026.
- Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure — maritime transport, port activity, cargo, and container statistics.
- UNECE UN/LOCODE — international location-code structure and location-reference methodology.
- International Maritime Organization — international maritime framework and shipping-sector reference material.
- Public port-market reference data — used only as contextual material where an official terminal-level 2025 comparison is not available.
Turkey Seaport FAQ
How many seaports does Turkey have?
Turkey has 94 seaports and terminals indexed by Ecer Freight in the October 2026 database snapshot. The figure represents indexed coverage and includes port and terminal records.
What is the largest port area in Turkey?
The Istanbul-Ambarli area is generally one of Turkey’s leading container gateways, while the wider Marmara region also includes Izmit, Gemlik, Tekirdag, and other industrial terminals. Exact rankings depend on whether individual terminals are consolidated.
What are common Turkey port codes?
Common codes in the indexed sample include TRAMB for Ambarli, TRMER for Mersin, TRALI for Izmir, TRIZT for Izmit, TRTEK for Tekirdag, and TRISK for Iskenderun. The correct code should be checked against the named terminal and carrier booking system.
Which Turkey port regions are most important for exports?
Marmara is a major manufacturing and container cluster. The Aegean supports western Turkey, while Mersin and Iskenderun serve Mediterranean, southeastern, and inland markets. Samsun and Trabzon provide Black Sea access.
How current is the Turkey port data?
The Ecer Freight indexed-port count is based on an October 2026 snapshot. The latest complete statistical reference year used for the guide is 2025, although some terminal-level figures and year-on-year comparisons may be released later or reported under different consolidation methods.
Can Turkey port data be used to request a freight quote?
Yes. A quote request should include the exact origin or destination port code, terminal where known, cargo type, container size, gross weight, commodity, ready date, and final delivery location. Rates remain subject to carrier space, equipment, surcharges, and schedule confirmation.
Are all indexed Turkey locations container ports?
No. The 94 indexed records cover ports and terminals with different roles, including container, bulk, liquid cargo, passenger, Ro-Ro, and regional facilities. Cargo suitability must be checked for the specific shipment.
Editorial note: This Turkey port guide combines Ecer Freight’s first-party port index with publicly available transport, maritime, and port-sector references. Indexed coverage is reviewed against database changes, while statistical and trade-lane content is reviewed quarterly and remains subject to official revisions, terminal reporting practices, carrier schedules, and operational conditions.
Ecer Freight · Seaports in Turkey: Port Codes, Throughput & Regional Guide (2026) · Data reviewed quarterly · Port Codes · Ports by Country · Contact