According to figures released by Turkey’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure on 13 October 2026, cargo handled at Turkish ports in the first nine months of the year reached 412.1 million tonnes. Growth was more visible on the container side.
Key figures (January–September 2026)
| Indicator | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Total cargo handled | 412.1 million tonnes | 409.6 million tonnes in the same period of 2025 (about +0.6%) |
| Container handling | 10.77 million TEU | +2.7% |
| Containers in September | — | +7.6% |
| Liquid bulk in September | — | +4.8% |
While total tonnage was roughly flat, container handling grew. The 7.6% container increase in September is a strong start to the final quarter.
Cabotage
The ministry’s detailed breakdown is available for eight months: in January–August 2026, cabotage (between Turkish ports) cargo reached 52.77 million tonnes. For the export, import and transit breakdown, see the monthly bulletins of the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs.
Why does container growth matter?
TEU is the unit of container shipping: a 20ft container counts as 1 TEU and a 40ft container as 2 TEU (see our Shipping Glossary). Growth in container handling shows that manufactured and semi-finished goods continue to flow in Turkey’s foreign trade.
Part of this growth may come from transshipment cargo. Turkish ports are also used as regional transshipment hubs for the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Practical notes for cargo owners
- Congestion: As container volumes rise, terminal appointments and waiting times become more important. Take terminal congestion into account in delivery planning.
- Terminal choice: Different terminals in the same region serve different lines. In the Marmara region, for example, terminals such as Ambarli (European side of Istanbul), Evyap and Gebze Yilport have different line portfolios.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I follow cargo statistics for Turkish ports?
The Directorate General of Maritime Affairs of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure publishes a monthly cargo statistics bulletin.
Why are TEU and tonnes measured differently?
Tonnes measure the weight of cargo; TEU measures the number of containers. TEU is used in container shipping, tonnes in bulk and general cargo.
Sources
- Bloomberg HT: 412.1 million tonnes handled at Turkish ports in nine months (in Turkish)
- Endeks24: 412 million tonnes handled at ports in nine months (in Turkish)
- Denizci Haber: 412.1 million tonnes handled at Turkish ports in nine months (in Turkish)
- Foreks: 369.8 million tonnes handled at Turkish ports in eight months (in Turkish)
- Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Directorate General of Maritime Affairs: monthly publications
This article is based on sources published up to 26 October 2026.
