UN/LOCODE: TRGEM📍 Turkey

Port of Gemlik (UN/LOCODE TRGEM)

❖ Coordinates: 40.4318°N, 29.1554°E

❖ Time Zone: Europe/Istanbul

❖ UN/LOCODE: TRGEM

## About the Port Gemlik Port (UN/LOCODE: **TRGEM**) is a strategic deep‑water terminal located on the southern shore of the Sea of Marmara, 30 km east of Istanbul and 45 km north of the industrial hub of Bursa, Turkey. Its geographic coordinates (40.43182 °N, 29.15542 °E) place it within the **Europe/Istanbul** time zone, giving it a logistical advantage for vessels transiting between the Black Sea, the Aegean, and the Eastern Mediterranean. Operated by the **Gemlik Free Zone Authority (GFZA)**, the port serves both the adjacent free‑zone industrial complex and the broader logistics network of north‑western Turkey. Key characteristics that define Gemlik Port include: - **Natural deep water**: Drafts of up to 13 m permit handling of Pan‑Pan and Post‑Pan vessels without major dredging. - **Intermodal connectivity**: Direct access to the D-100/E84 highway, rail links to the Turkish State Railways (TCDD), and proximity to the Bülent Ecevit International Airport (≈55 km). - **Free‑zone status**: Companies operating within the Gemlik Free Zone benefit from customs exemptions, tax incentives, and streamlined maritime procedures, fostering high cargo turnover. These attributes collectively make Gemlik one of the fastest‑growing ports on the Sea of Marmara, routinely ranking among the top Turkish terminals for containerized and bulk cargo throughput. --- ## History ### Ottoman Origins The natural harbor at Gemlik dates back to the late Ottoman period, when it functioned as a modest anchorage for regional grain shipments and timber imports. Early cartographic records (mid‑19th century) cite the site as “Gümülk” and note a small pier used by wooden sailing vessels. ### Republican Expansion Following the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, the government prioritized the modernization of maritime infrastructure in the Marmara region. In **1955**, a concrete quay was constructed under a state‑led development program, allowing the port to accommodate motorized cargo ships for the first time. During the 1970s, Turkey’s oil import surge prompted the installation of a **single‑point mooring (SPM)** system to handle crude carriers, marking Gemlik’s transition into a multipurpose facility. ### Free‑Zone Era (1990‑Present) The decisive turning point arrived with the creation of the **Gemlik Free Zone** in 1993. The free‑zone legislation granted the port a unique customs regime, encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) and the establishment of logistics‑intensive manufacturers—particularly in automotive components, petrochemicals, and food processing. Since the early 2000s, successive upgrades—including the addition of container gantries, a dedicated roll‑on/roll‑off (Ro‑Ro) terminal, and automated cargo handling systems—have kept Gemlik aligned with international standards such as the **International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code**. --- ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Berths and Quays | Facility | Length (m) | Depth (m) | Typical Vessel Types | |----------|------------|-----------|----------------------| | General Cargo Quay | 1,250 | 13 | Bulk carriers, general cargo | | Container Terminal | 800 | 12.5 | TEU containers, feeder ships | | Ro‑Ro & Car Terminal | 600 | 11 | Vehicle carriers, trailers | | Cruise / Passenger Dock | 350 | 10 | Yacht, small cruise ships | All berths are equipped with **electric gantry cranes (EGCs)**, **mobile harbor cranes**, and **truck‑crane bridges** to facilitate rapid load/unload cycles. The container terminal boasts a **14‑row, 12‑berth** layout with a handling capacity of **1.5 million TEU per year**. ### Storage and Intermodal Facilities - **Covered warehouses**: 200,000 m² (temperature‑controlled for perishables). - **Open‑air yards**: 300,000 m², equipped with GPS‑tracked stacking systems. - **Rail sidings**: 8 dedicated tracks (standard gauge) enabling 8 train‑loads per day. - **Road logistics**: Direct access to two major motorways, facilitating 30 + trucks per hour throughput. ### Support Services Gemlik Port offers a full suite of ancillary services: - **Customs clearance** through the **Turkish Ministry of Trade** (online portal link). - **Ship agency** and **pilotage** (24 h) complying with the **International Maritime Organization (IMO)** regulations. - **Repair & bunkering** stations for tankers and container vessels. - **Security** governed by ISPS Code Level 2, with CCTV, perimeter fencing, and maritime patrol vessels. *For detailed technical specifications, see the GFZA official site.* --- ## Economic Importance ### Regional Development The port underpins the economic engine of **Bursa Province**, contributing over **5 % of Turkey’s total maritime cargo volume**. Its free‑zone status has attracted more than **350 multinational corporations**, generating an estimated **USD 5 billion** in annual trade value. Key industrial clusters linked to Gemlik include: - **Automotive supply chain**: Component manufacturers ship semi‑knocked‑down (SKD) kits to assembly plants in İzmit and Bursa. - **Petrochemical sector**: The adjacent **Gemlik Oil Refinery** (capacity ≈ 5 Mt/yr) utilizes the port for crude imports and product exports. - **Food & Agribusiness**: Grain, nuts, and fresh produce are transshipped to EU markets via the container terminal. ### Employment & Fiscal Impact The port directly employs **≈ 4,800** personnel, with indirect job creation exceeding **20,000** in logistics, warehousing, and ancillary services. Fiscal contributions to national revenue through customs duties, port fees, and corporate taxes total **≈ USD 650 million** annually. ### Competitive Position Compared with nearby terminals such as **Yeniköy** and **Derince**, Gemlik’s deep‑draft capability and free‑zone incentives enable it to capture a larger share of **Pan‑Pan bulk cargo** and **high‑value container traffic**. Its strategic location along the **Marmara–Black Sea corridor** also makes it a preferred hub for east‑west transshipment, especially for time‑sensitive cargo. --- ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Primary Trade Lanes | Origin/Destination | Main Cargo | Frequency | |--------------------|------------|-----------| | Black Sea ports (Novorossiysk, Constanţa) | Iron ore, coal, timber | Weekly | | Mediterranean ports (Algiers, Barcelona) | Fertilizers, chemicals | 3‑4 times/month | | EU (Rotterdam, Hamburg) | Finished automobiles, machinery | Daily | | Middle East (Abu Dhabi, Jeddah) | Oil products, LPG | Bi‑weekly | | Far East (Shanghai, Busan) | Electronics, textiles (via transshipment) | Weekly | ### Cargo Mix - **Dry Bulk (≈ 45 % of tonnage)**: Iron ore, coal, limestone, and grain. - **Liquid Bulk (≈ 30 %)**: Crude oil, refined petroleum products, LPG, and chemicals. - **Containerized Goods (≈ 20 %)**: Automotive parts, machinery, consumer electronics, and perishables. - **Roll‑On/Off (≈ 5 %)**: Passenger vehicles, heavy equipment, and construction machinery. ### Emerging Trends - **Green Logistics**: Gemlik is piloting **shore‑power (cold ironing)** for vessels to cut emissions while docked, aligning with EU MARPOL Annex VI standards. - **Digitalization**: Implementation of a **Port Community System (PCS)** allows real‑time cargo tracking, electronic documentation, and AI‑driven berth allocation, improving turnaround times by up to **15 %**. - **Supply‑Chain Resilience**: In response to recent global disruptions, the port has expanded its **strategic stockpiles** of essential commodities (e.g., wheat, medical supplies) under the guidance of the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture. --- ## References & Further Reading - Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure – *Port Statistics 2023* (https://www.uab.gov.tr) - International Maritime Organization – *ISPS Code Overview* (https://www.imo.org) *Gemlik Port continues to evolve as a cornerstone of Turkey’s maritime economy, leveraging its deep‑water advantage, free‑zone framework, and increasingly digital operations to serve a diverse and growing global trade network.*

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

TRGEM

Country

Turkey

Province / Region

Bursa

Latitude

40.431820

Longitude

29.155416

Timezone

Europe/Istanbul

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Gemlik?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Gemlik is TRGEM.

Where is Port of Gemlik located?

The Port of Gemlik is located in Turkey, Bursa. Its coordinates are 40.4318°N, 29.1554°E.

What time zone is Port of Gemlik in?

Port of Gemlik operates in the Europe/Istanbul time zone.

🌊 Live Marine Conditions

Wave Height0.1 m

Wave Direction342°

Swell Height0.04 m

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About the World Port Index

This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.

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