Duisport has started the construction of its new terminal, “Railport”, in Kartepe, Turkey. The terminal is around 100 kilometres from Istanbul and is considered Duisport’s most significant foreign investment, with 1.37 billion US dollars involved. It is planned to begin operation at the end of 2024. 

According to Duisport, the new terminal is gigantic in size. Covering an area of 26.5 hectares, the Railport could fit 37 football pitches. The terminal is designed for intermodal operations with an aim to stimulate regional rail freight transportation, as well as the transit traffic between Asia and Europe. European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) actively invests in this project: over half of the investment, 85 million US dollars, will be provided via the bank. The project is owned by Duisport in Germany and Arkas Holding in Turkey, with a share of 33,33 per cent and 66,7 per cent, respectively.

Construction difficulties

The EBRD approved the project in 2018, but the construction has faced serious construction issues.  Duisport explained that “the swampy terrain, high humidity and downpour have made the initial work on the site a mammoth task”. This is especially relatable to the area’s geology, as two deadly earthquakes nearby significantly impacted the region, namely the Gölcük and Düzce earthquakes back in 1999, which created challenges for soil reinforcement and compaction during the construction. “This challenge arises, and it was included in the planning from the very beginning. For example, tons of gravel is supposed to help against possible earthquakes”, Duisport commented.

Also read: 

• Samskip, TX Logistik, and duisport start joint venture as terminal operator
• Duisport about the New Silk Road, the war in Ukraine and COSCO
• New rail link to port of Trieste helps to facilitate Turkey traffic