Mersin International Port Management Inc. (MIP), a key gateway terminal in Türkiye and a joint venture between PSA International, IFM, and Akfen, has officially completed the first phase of its US$455 million East Med Hub 2 (EMH2) Terminal.
Scheduled for full completion in the first half of 2026, the new terminal will expand MIP's annual capacity from 2.6 million TEUs to 3.6 million TEUs and enable the simultaneous handling of two Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs).
[Source: Mersin International Port]
The announcement said this development is designed to meet the growing regional and global trade demands while strengthening MIP’s position as a strategic logistics hub.
The first phase of EMH2's construction includes the finalisation of all dredging works and the official inauguration of the newly extended quay wall, now stretching 880 metres, from its original 500 metres, with a 17.5-metre draft that can handle the next generation of container vessels of up to 24,000 TEUs.
"Today, Mersin Port, whose foundations were laid in the 19th century, has proudly reached a remarkable milestone by ranking 91st among the world's top 100 ports. With this investment, which will increase its container handling capacity from 2.6 million to 3.6 million TEUs, the port is set to achieve even greater heights in a very short time," Atilla Toros, Mersin Governor, said.
"Positioned as one of the most strategic stops along the modern Silk Road, Mersin Port now spans 124 hectares, making it even stronger and more ambitious," he added, noting that as the largest multi-purpose port in Turkey, Mersin Port continues to make a significant contribution to the Turkish economy by providing direct employment to 5,000 people and indirect employment to 30,000 others.
Tarık Sönmez, director general of International Trade Services, Ministry of Trade, said modern, high-capacity port infrastructures will not only drive regional development but also enhance our national competitiveness.
Meanwhile, Vincent Ng, regional CEO of PSA Europe & Mediterranean and PSA Middle East South Asia, said, "We look forward to the full completion of EMH2 in 2026 and remain firmly committed to investing in the future of Mersin Port."
"As part of PSA's 'Node to Network' strategy and our Group's transition to net zero emissions by 2043, MIP stands as a key example of our dedication to operational excellence and sustainable development. We will continue the strive to create long-term value for the region and contribute meaningfully to Türkiye's economic development."
Ajay Kumar Singh, general manager of MIP said, besides boosting terminal performance, the company will also focus on driving meaningful, long-term environmental progress.
With Phase 1 completed, MIP is moving ahead with the development of its new 17,6 hectare yard as part of Phase 2. This area will be outfitted with eight advanced automated Rail Mounted Gantry Cranes (aRMGs) and four additional Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes, which together will enhance operational capabilities and further increase port efficiency.
The new electrically powered equipment will also help MIP reach its ambitious sustainability targets of cutting its carbon emissions in half by 2030 and becoming carbon neutral by 2043.
