Dubai ports operator DP World has expanded its reach to Turkey, officially opening its first terminal in the country on Saturday.
DP World Yarimca is now one of Turkey’s largest ports, covering 460,000 square metres and with a capacity to move 1.3 million containers a year.
It is based in one of the country’s largest industrial areas, Izmit Bay, located about 50 kilometres south-east of Istanbul.
The Dubai firm said the port was the first in the Izmit Bay area to be run by an international operator, and features advanced technology such as remote-controlled gantry cranes and fast-scanner x-ray machines.
The port has two main berths, and six ship-to-shore gantry cranes.
“Our investment is not just in machinery and equipment – it’s about our people, our most important asset,” said DP World chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, in a press statement.
“DP World Yarimca currently employs 300 people and we aim to reach 650 jobs when at full capacity. There are over 800 jobs identified indirectly in the local economy and many more local and regional supplier opportunities. This illustrates the ripple effect of projects of this magnitude – that boost economies and prosperity for the long term.”
In 2015, total trade between Turkey and Dubai reached $6.9 billion. Imports were $4 billion, exports $2.2 billion and re-exports $750 million.
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