Asyaport, Turkey’s largest container port on the coast of the Marmara Sea in Tekirdağ, is taking significant steps in sustainable port operations with shore power (OPS) and renewable energy investments. Shore power, an item on the agenda of port and terminal operators worldwide, has regained attention with Asyaport’s achievements ahead of the WorldCargo News Shore Power Summit to be held in Rotterdam.
With the connection of the 20,000 TEU capacity MSC Oscar vessel to shore power at the port in October 2024, Asyaport became one of the first facilities in Europe to provide full-scale shore power to container ships. The port handled over 2 million TEUs of cargo throughout 2024 and operates as an important part of the Terminal Investment Limited (TiL) network.
Port management announced that since the commissioning of the Shore Power Supply (OPS) system, a total of 4.7 million kWh of electricity has been provided to 88 vessels, thereby preventing the use of 1,150 tons of diesel and 3,680 tons of CO₂ emissions. It was stated that the system, with an installed capacity of 8 MVA, can supply electricity to seven vessels simultaneously.
Besim Dönmez, Asyaport Planning and Technical Services Manager, said, “Shore energy is not only an environmental but also a social and operational investment. A quieter, cleaner, and more efficient port means a healthier future for both employees and the local community.”
Asyaport is expanding its renewable energy investments to strengthen the OPS system. The 3,020 solar panels installed on the port site meet approximately 6% of its electricity needs. The goal is to obtain all energy consumption from solar power and provide completely green electricity to vessels.
The port also plans to acquire four electric terminal tractors by the end of 2025. It was noted that all STS and RTG cranes are already electric.
Another significant investment by Asyaport will be a 20 MVA wind turbine, planned to be implemented after the permit processes are completed. Port management stated that with this investment, Asyaport will become the only terminal in Turkey, and possibly in the world, operating entirely on its own generated renewable energy.
Along with its sustainability vision, capacity increase studies are also continuing. Work on extending the pier by 400 meters is ongoing, and this project is targeted for completion by the end of 2026. It was reported that upon completion of the investment, the annual handling capacity will increase to 4 million TEUs, strengthening the port’s role as a strategic transshipment hub on the Mediterranean–Black Sea line.
Asyaport management emphasized that all green investments carried out have been financed entirely with internal resources, without the use of public or international funding.
