Turkey is one of the world’s leading shipbuilding countries, with the capacity to build a wide range of vessels, including container ships, tankers, and bulk carriers.
The Turkish shipping industry is responsible for transporting around 95% of Turkey’s foreign trade, making it a critical sector for the country’s economy.
In 2020, the total deadweight tonnage of Turkey’s merchant fleet was around 24.4 million, making it the 11th largest fleet in the world.
The Port of Ambarli, located near Istanbul, is the largest port in Turkey and one of the busiest in the Mediterranean, handling over 2.5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2020.
Turkish shipowners have a significant presence in the international shipping industry, with a fleet of around 2,500 vessels operating globally.
The Turkish government has implemented various initiatives to support the development of the shipping industry, including tax incentives, investment in infrastructure, and efforts to increase maritime education and training.