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Abstract
Maritime transport is of great importance in our country, which is surrounded by seas on three sides. Thanks to the many ports
in our country, maritime trade has an important place in our country. Ports are one of the key points of our country's maritime
trade and transportation. Mersin Port, which is a gateway to the Mediterranean and the Middle East, is one of these key points.
In this study, the maritime transport realized in Mersin Port and the maritime transports realized in our country were examined.
There are multiple different ways and methods of exporting. One of these is exporting by sea transportation. Sea transport
exports are actually the largest in terms of export methods and the cheapest. Perhaps the only downside is that it arrives a little
later than air export or land export. However, while you have to make more than one shipment with other export routes, the fact
that you will do it at once with maritime transport exports reveals that it is more advantageous than other ways.
Introduction
Located in a strategic location between sea and land, ports are part of the supply chain and transportation networks and are focal
points consisting of land, ships and in-port activities. In the maritime industry, most tasks are performed within port networks that
are part of the supply chain, and products are transported within this network by transportation method. Particularly due to the
distance, cost and capacity advantages it provides, the share of maritime transportation and its main component, ports, in foreign
trade has increased considerably (Darba et al., 2005). Economically, optimizing operations, reducing fees such as fuel and shipping
fees, and providing added value are important for port networks. In addition, port activities such as handling, transportation, transfer
and loading, port maintenance, ship dismantling, ship accidents in ports, etc. Negative effects such as water, air and environmental
pollution caused by pollution must also be eliminated. From a social perspective, increasing the respect within the society is an
appropriate course of action1. Supply chain sustainability can be achieved through the sustainability of ports, which are useful and
central connection points. In this context, sustainability in ports and port operations is seen as an area that researchers have begun to
attach importance to. Port sustainability can be defined as business strategies and policies that protect and sustain human and natural
resources while meeting the current and future needs of the port and its stakeholders (Goss, 1990).
Sea freight plays a crucial role in the logistics industry as it connects various international markets. In global trade, a significant
portion of goods is transported via the seas. Not only does it contribute to sustainable development, but it also offers a safe, cost-
effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation (Selamoglu, 2021). Both domestic and international
maritime transport hold a substantial share in global trade. As globalization continues to drive an increase in international trade
volume worldwide, maritime transportation emerges as the primary choice, especially for moving heavy cargo (Kardaşlar, 2022).
Ports serve as the essential facilities for conducting maritime transport operations (Oral et al., 2006).
1
Corresponding Author: Mesut Selamoglu, Osmaniye Korkut Ata University, Bahce Vocational School, Department of Management and
Organization, Logistics Programme, Bahce, Osmaniye, TurkeyEmail Id: mesutselamoglu@osmaniye.edu.tr
2
Cite as: Mesut Selamoglu (2023).Analyzing Maritime Transport Export: A Case Study of Mersin Port in Turkey. International Journal of
Advance Study and Research Work, 6(3), 01–06
The geographical advantage of Turkey being a peninsula surrounded by seas on three sides plays a significant role in distinguishing
it as a prominent player in maritime transport. Additionally, Turkey's extensive coastline further positions it ahead in the field of
maritime transportation. The significance of maritime transport in facilitating Turkey's international trade is widely recognized.What
sets Turkey apart from other countries is its abundant port infrastructure. As the global trade volume continues to rise, the
significance of ports steadily grows. Turkey's substantial number of ports, serving as crucial links between land and sea routes,
enhances its competitiveness in international trade and fosters bilateral commercial relations. Alongside the sheer quantity, the scale
and concentration of ports are also influential factors impacting global trade (Esmer & Duru, 2017). Furthermore, Turkey's unique
geographical structure, which positions it as a bridge between continents, serves as another advantage. Consequently, Turkey holds a
crucial position in maritime transport. These advantages also greatly facilitate the development of Turkey's trade relations with other
countries. Ports play a pivotal role in foreign trade, considering that a substantial portion of Turkey's exports are conducted through
sea transportation (Berkoz & Tekba, 1999).
In the nineteenth century, port cities became cities where the new trade culture rapidly penetrated with the changing production
styles and relations. Considering the transportation possibilities and raw material-market relations of the period, the rapid
development of the Eastern Mediterranean port cities, including Mersin, in this period becomes understandable. In this period, it is
possible to see the common features of the port cities in the Eastern Mediterranean basin in Mersin as well. However, there are
important differences that distinguish Mersin from other port cities in the Eastern Mediterranean. Based on these differences, the
emergence of the city has been effective (Uğuz, 2016). With this process, Mersin emerged as a city that developed with completely
new urban uses, where there were no new uses added to an existing urban fabric (Zeybek, 2021).
Since the 1970s, globalization has led to a significant increase in international trade between countries. Naturally, this surge in trade
has resulted in a growing demand for transportation services. Over the years, transportation activities have evolved accordingly.
Presently, in order to fulfill the transportation demands, multimodal transportation methods, which involve the use of multiple
modes of transportation, have come into play. Among these methods, sea transportation holds the largest share globally and within
our country. The rapid industrialization, advancements in trade, and ongoing development of maritime transport have been closely
intertwined. Thanks to its economies of scale, safety measures, and extensive transportation network, sea transportation continues to
experience rising demand with each passing day (Topbaş, 2020). In contemporary times, ports emerge as one of the foremost
constituents in international transportation. These dynamic structures encompass a range of functions such as facilitating the transfer
of freight and passengers, providing storage facilities for goods, and establishing the necessary infrastructure and equipment to
support these operations. Considering this comprehensive definition, the growth of maritime transport and the advancement of
foreign trade become intricately linked. Within this context, ports assume a significant role in international trade by contributing to
the expansion of commerce and industry. As a result, ports serve as pivotal indicators when assessing the economic development
level of nations (Dwarakish & Salim, 2015). Among the ports within our nation, Mersin Port holds a prominent position as it serves
as a gateway to the Mediterranean and the Middle East. It stands as one of the largest container ports in our country, bearing
significant importance for our nation. The presence of an adjacent free zone adds to its allure for foreign trade companies situated in
Southeastern Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia, and Central Anatolia, particularly in terms of export activities. Mersin Port assumes a
crucial role in transit trade, notably for Iraq, Syria, and Iran (Balık, 2014; Zeybek, 2021). Following are the objectives of this study,
highlight the significance of ports in international transportation and their interconnectedness with maritime transport and foreign
trade. Emphasize the contribution of ports to the development of trade and industry. Discuss the role of ports as important indicators
for determining the economic development level of states. Introduce Mersin Port as one of the major container ports in Turkey,
particularly significant for its strategic location opening to the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
Highlight the attractiveness of Mersin Port's proximity to a free zone for foreign trade companies in Southeastern Anatolia, Eastern
Anatolia, and Central Anatolia, particularly in terms of exports. Discuss the importance of Mersin Port in facilitating transit trade,
especially for countries like Iraq, Syria, and Iran.
enabling effortless loading and unloading processes, and seamless integration with road and railway networks. They have revolutionized logistics
by enhancing efficiency and reducing handling costs (Ateş, et al., 2010).
The rapid advancement of container transportation has triggered a series of transformative effects. This includes the growing significance of
competition between ports striving to accommodate the surging demand, the implementation of various transportation systems such as 'door-to-
door transportation' and 'combined transportation' that rely on multiple modes of transportation, the proliferation of larger vessel sizes and the
emergence of mega container ships, and the demand for efficient and expeditious services beyond the sea routes. Consequently, these
developments have led to the construction of terminals, also known as dry ports, interconnected with ports to facilitate seamless cargo transfers
(Ece, 2020).
These insights, gleaned from studies conducted by Mesut (2021), Ateş et al. (2010), and Ece (2020), shed light on the intricate dynamics of
maritime transport and the burgeoning domain of container transportation.
The movement of cargo and passengers requires a balanced and integrated use of all modes of transport. The main and preferred feature is to
compete with other forms of transportation such as road, rail, and air. Shipping and other land bases collaborate to create truly mixed-mode
logistics chains. Short combined transportation is one of the modes that minimizes the negative effects of road transportation such as high
transportation costs, emissions, noise pollution, traffic density, death-related accident, or personal injury (Korkmaz, 2012). It is aimed to channel
the transportation network to the sea in short distances, to be an alternative to road transportation, and to improve combined transportation. Turkey,
where road transportation is frequently preferred, has a serious potential to create a transportation network between various modes, especially
reliable and cheaper sea transportation, due to its location and natural structure (Öztürk et al., 2017).
Today, customers want to buy the products and services they want to meet their needs at the right time, in the right place, and at the best price. If
they can't find it, they tend to buy another product and service. Therefore, it is not enough for companies to increase product diversity and quality;
Fulfilling these demands on time is the most important issue. The effective and convenient solution is logistics to fulfill the customer's demands.
The basic service offered by logistics companies is to carry the right product and service to the right place, at the right time, and under appropriate
conditions (Elbirlik, 2008).
Given Turkey's geopolitical characteristics, the sea route holds significant importance for both freight and passenger transportation. Sea
transportation stands out as the most cost-effective mode of transportation. Recognizing the substantial utilization of sea transportation in numerous
international commercial activities, the potential benefits derived from this sector become even more apparent (Deniz & Kilic, 2010).Turkey boasts
a diverse range of 180 ports, each with its own distinct characteristics. Among these ports, some serve as marinas, catering to recreational boating
and leisure activities, while others function as export ports, commonly referred to as mixed ports, facilitating the shipment of goods (Saraçoğlu &
Kılıç, 2013).The vast majority of marinas are located in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions, where summer tourism is intense. Marinas located
in regions that stand out with tourism such as İzmir, Bodrum, Didim, Marmaris, Göcek, Fethiye, and Datça continue their activities at world
standards by using high technology support and natural energy resources (Usluer & Alkan, 2015).
It is certainly true that Turkey's foreign trade, both in terms of exports and imports, is important in terms of its goals and place in the current world
economy. The most important factor that ensures the existence of foreign trade is logistics. Logistics is a new concept in Turkey. With exports and
imports, it has become more important later with large-scale and electronic commerce retailers (Demirlioğlu, 2008).
Sea transportation is a preferred mode of transportation mostly in the international arena. It is the lowest cost and safest mode of transportation.
Containerable products and excess products are transported by sea. Turkey has a great strategic location and geopolitical importance and these
factors are suitable for maritime transport, but Turkey has not been able to fully exploit these advantages. Due to the insufficient adoption of
maritime rules and targets, some problems negatively affect maritime transport in Turkey (Fulser, 2015).
of Mersin, Turkey," and "Maritime Transport Export and The Case of Mersin, Turkey," among others. Subsequently, the collected
data was meticulously examined and the findings were discussed in a concise and informative manner.
Conclusion
In today's globalized world, the logistics industry has direct or indirect interactions with numerous sectors and companies in the
global market. Within the competitive landscape, transportation expenses have emerged as a separate element influencing
companies, alongside the costs of products and services. With the increasing emphasis on free trade and the rapid integration of
technological advancements, logistics transportation has gained a distinct position. Consequently, maritime transport, which has
witnessed significant advancements in national and international freight and passenger transportation, has assumed a more active
role in transportation activities.
The logistics sector plays a vital role in managing the flow of exports and imports between countries, thereby holding special
importance. Examining the history of maritime transport reveals its positive development within the logistics sector, exerting
influence on social and political events while contributing to the growth of national and international economies. Consequently, the
active involvement of maritime transport in trade activities has yielded positive effects on a country's economy. The geopolitical
location of Turkey, particularly its significant maritime access, underscores the importance of maritime transport and its contribution
to the national economy.
In the current global economic market, maritime transportation has gained increased prominence and is being utilized more
extensively. The Mediterranean region, with its developing economies and strategic sea routes, stands out as a noteworthy area.
However, the growing cargo volume in the Mediterranean has led to capacity constraints in Western Mediterranean ports, resulting
in increased demand for ports in the eastern Mediterranean. As a natural consequence, Turkey's ports are expected to experience a
surge in cargo volumes. However, the reality is different, and the proportion of Turkey's ports in the Mediterranean market has
relatively declined over the years. Consequently, Mersin Port, the busiest port in the Mediterranean region of Turkey, faces
challenges in terms of competing strongly in the market.
Mersin port can meet the global port need in the Eastern Mediterranean region if its geographical location facilities improve. Mersin
port can meet the global port need in the Eastern Mediterranean region if its physical facilities improve. Mersin port can meet the
global port need in the Eastern Mediterranean region if it is well managed. If Mersin port costs are reduced, it can meet the global
port needs in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Acknowledgement
Thanks for his help to Dr. Kerem Gokten, at Nigde Omer Halisdemir University in Turkey about guide me for researches.
Conflict of Interest
There is no conflict of interest.
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