Strategic Power at Sea: Türkiye’s Only Transshipment Platform

The system, which is among the few examples of its kind worldwide, plays a critical role in ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the power plant.

Operating in the Gulf of Iskenderun, the İSKEN Transshipment Platform undertakes a strategic logistical role by transferring coal from large bulk carriers to the power plant, ensuring continuity in energy production. Ranked among the world’s limited number of mega-sized floating transfer platforms, the system stands out as one of Türkiye’s most significant energy logistics operations.

Critical Logistics Operation in the Gulf

Large bulk carriers transporting coal for the power plant are unable to berth at the port due to draft limitations. Therefore, the Transshipment platform, positioned approximately 1.6 nautical miles offshore, comes into operation. Coal received from the vessels is transferred to the power plant through the platform’s conveyor and transfer system.

The operation is carried out under İSKOLDEN, a joint venture between OYAK Port and Oldendorff, using a platform owned by ARKAD Maritime Transportation. Through this operation, the plant’s fuel requirements are supplied regularly. The transshipment operation has been continuing uninterrupted since 2002.

Commenting on the strategic importance of the operation, İSKOLDEN General Manager Hakan Uncu stated:

“Our transshipment operation, which we successfully carry out within our organization and which is the only example in Türkiye and among the few in the world, directly contributes to the sustainability of production at our power plant, which holds critical importance for the country’s energy supply security.”

3.5 Million Tons of Coal Transferred Annually

The platform has a daily transfer capacity of approximately 50,000 tons and handles around 3.5 million tons of coal annually from an average of 22 vessels.

Since its establishment, the operation has discharged a total of 75 million tons of coal from approximately 468 vessels, demonstrating significant operational expertise in Türkiye’s energy logistics sector.

Türkiye’s first and only Transshipper (floating transfer) platform attracts attention with its massive dimensions, technical capacity, and integrated service structure. Designed as a twin-hull catamaran-type non-propelled floating platform, the facility carries out dry bulk cargo handling operations. The platform reaches a height of 55 meters.