Exports from Kocaeli Ports Reach 45 Billion 111 Million Dollars

This increase clearly shows that Kocaeli is one of Turkey’s most important cities in terms of industry and logistics.”

The 40th Ordinary Assembly Meeting of the IMEAK Chamber of Shipping Kocaeli Branch was held in January 2026 under the chairmanship of Assembly President Vefa İbrahim Aracı at the branch’s Assembly Hall. Following a moment of silence and the National Anthem, Aracı greeted the participants and presented the agenda and program flow.

HIGH PARTICIPATION

The agenda of the January assembly meeting was set as “2026: Maritime Routes Are Being Redrawn.” Attendees included: Prof. Dr. Nalan Tekin, Dean of Kocaeli University (KOÜ) Faculty of Maritime Studies; Dr. Muhammed Bamyacı, Director of KOÜ Karamürsel Maritime Vocational School; Onur Sabri Durak, Lecturer at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Maritime Faculty; R. Ufuk Teker, General Manager and Board Member of Türk P&I; members of the Gebze Chamber of Commerce’s 36th Professional Committee; assembly members; NGO representatives; educators; student clubs; and other maritime stakeholders.

DOĞUSEL: “AS TURKISH SEAFARERS, WE CONTINUE TO PRODUCE UNDER ALL CONDITIONS”

In his opening speech, IMEAK Chamber of Shipping Kocaeli Branch Chairman Vedat Doğusel said: “Each new year brings more difficult times than the previous one, mainly due to wars. Especially after the invasions and interventions near our borders, major humanitarian disasters occur, and the economic impact is inevitably severe. Confidence in the economy decreases, risk expectations fall, and production slows down. As Turkish seafarers, we continue to produce under all conditions.”

“U.S. INTERVENTION WILL CHANGE THE FLOW OF MARITIME TRADE”

Commenting on the effects of U.S. intervention in Venezuela on maritime trade, Doğusel said: “Unfortunately, 2026 began with the U.S. intervention in Venezuela. As is known, Venezuela has some of the world’s largest oil reserves. The sanctions and interventions imposed by the U.S. have made it difficult for Venezuela to bring its oil and other natural resources to global markets. The U.S. military and economic interventions in this region have caused significant changes in sea routes. This situation will also negatively affect maritime security.”

“WE MUST TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST DISASTER SCENARIOS AT SEA”

Doğusel also informed participants about measures against possible disasters at sea: “As is known, actions taken before and after disaster situations at sea are critical both for ensuring the safety of the maritime industry and for saving lives. Storms, tsunamis, ship accidents, fires, inventory leaks, and other natural or man-made disasters require important pre-event and post-event interventions. With climate change increasing disasters, we will keep these issues on our agenda. As a branch, we will meet more frequently with experts, especially AFAD officials, to provide training to our sector.”

“EXPORTS FROM KOCAELI PORTS REACHED 45 BILLION 111 MILLION DOLLARS”

Highlighting Kocaeli’s importance in industry and logistics, Doğusel added: “In 2025, exports from Kocaeli’s ports totaled 45 billion 111 million dollars. In 2024, our total exports were 41 billion 398 million dollars. Based on this, exports increased by 9%. Imports rose from 77 billion 964 million dollars to 82 billion 75 million dollars, an increase of 5.2%. Thus, the export growth rate exceeded the import growth rate. This rise clearly shows that Kocaeli is one of Turkey’s most important cities in industry and logistics. In 2026, we will continue to increase exports together.”

“DERİNCE LED EXPORTS WITH 21 BILLION 325 MILLION DOLLARS”

Providing statistics on Kocaeli ports, Doğusel said: “According to the Eastern Marmara Customs and Foreign Trade Regional Directorate, in 2025 our exports reached 45 billion 111 million dollars, while imports totaled 82 billion 75 million dollars. The customs gate with the highest exports was Derince, with 21 billion 325 million dollars, followed by Dilovası with 8 billion 426 million dollars. In imports, Derince and Dilovası customs gates were also at the top. Derince Customs Directorate recorded 36 billion 726 million dollars in imports, while Dilovası Customs Directorate recorded 24 billion 183 million dollars. The total tax collected by the Eastern Marmara Customs and Foreign Trade Directorate in 2025 was 624 billion 291 million lira. In December 2025, compared to the previous month, exports increased by 8% and imports by 10%.”

“9,206 SHIPS CALLED AT KOCAELI IN 2025”

Sharing ship statistics, Doğusel said: “In 2025, a total of 9,206 ships called at Kocaeli, including 2,628 Turkish-flagged and 6,578 foreign-flagged vessels. Of all ships arriving in Turkey, 14.7% were in Kocaeli. Cargo handling included 31 million 540 thousand tons loaded and 52 million 400 thousand tons discharged, totaling 83 million 940 thousand tons, representing 15.2% of Turkey’s total. In container handling, Kocaeli ranked second in Turkey with 2,505,678 TEU.”

PRESENTATIONS DELIVERED

The January 40th Ordinary Assembly Meeting of the IMEAK Chamber of Shipping Kocaeli Branch concluded after presentations by Türk P&I General Manager and Board Member R. Ufuk Teker on “Actions to Be Taken Before and After Disaster Situations at Sea” and ITU Maritime Faculty Lecturer Onur Sabri Durak on “2026: Maritime Routes Are Being Redrawn,” followed by members sharing sectoral views and suggestions.