NEWS
Turkey Ocean Port Update
Please see below an update on impacted ocean ports in the wake of the Turkey earthquake
Following the devastating effects of February’s earthquake in Turkey, the country’s supply chain infrastructure is still feeling the effects with the ports of Iskenderun and Mersin still heavily impacted.
Iskenderun
Inspections of Iskenderun port are still ongoing, with operations reduced whilst investigations continue. Inspections of all containers damaged in the fire at the port are also continuing.
Whilst some carriers are able to run full operations from Iskenderun’s Assan terminal, others continue to run limited services, with movements/transport? into the Middle East and Far East seeing the most disruption. General port operations are expected to return to full capacity as of June 2023.
Mersin
The port of Mersin is seeing increasing congestion as a result of diverted traffic destined for Iskenderun.
The backlogs have been exacerbated by rules put in place regarding container acceptance at the port, with authorities prohibiting loaded containers to be shipped from entering the port before the relevant vessel docks.
Mersin-bound vessels are being held at sea whilst awaiting berth, with many berthing slots delayed due to the congestion at the port. This is also impacting services stopping at Mersin en-route to other ports, such as Istanbul or Izmir, causing further service delays.
Currently, container loading is restricted at the onsite Container Freight Station and can only be done in warehouses outside of the port, due to the port being at capacity. The situation is not helped by a shortage of equipment and a general shortage of 20’ reefer containers in the region, caused by blank sailings missing the port.
In an attempt to alleviate the congestion at Mersin, some shipowners have introduced a Port Congestion Surcharge of £100 USD per TEU on cargo destined for countries and regions including West & East Mediterranean, Adriatic, Black Sea, North Africa, Morocco, Portugal, West Coast & East Coast of South America, East Coast Central America & Caribbean, West Coast Central America & Mexico West Coast, Windward, Guyana North Brazil, Middle East Gulf, Red Sea, North East Asia, South East Asia, China and Hong Kong SAR. The PCS will come into effect with select carriers from late April.
For any urgent questions regarding your Turkey supply chain, please contact us here.