MIP leads Türkiye's smart port transformation
Mersin International Port (MIP), Türkiye’s largest container port in the Mediterranean, is implementing a fully integrated yard automation system, a first for the country. This investment will meet the region's growing demands, boost capacity, enhance efficiency and strengthen Türkiye’s position in global trade.
MIP, a joint venture between PSA International, IFM Investors, and Akfen Holding, has equipped the East Med Hub 2 (EMH2) Project, of which the first phase has been completed and put into service, with a fully integrated yard automation system consisting of four ship-to-shore (STS) quay cranes and 14 fully automated rail-mounted gantry cranes (aRMG).
The 14 fully electric aRMG cranes are integrated with the Terminal Operating System (TOS) and work autonomously with the capability of remote-controlled operation, offering operators a more comfortable and safer working environment in an office setting.
Equipped with high precision scanners, cameras, and sensor-based safety systems, these cranes enable high-precision container handling, stacking and transfer operations, reducing waiting times and optimising yard efficiency making yard operation safer and faster.
With the EMH2, MIP will increase its container handling capacity from 2.6 million TEUs to 3.6 million TEUs. The newly added STS cranes, which have a total height of 97 metres, a reach of 71 metres, a rail span of 30 meters, and a capacity of 65 tons, as well as infrastructure investments, can service two mega ships simultaneously, enabling the port to offer more competitive solutions to its customers. Furthermore, the increased capacity will provide significant speed and cost advantages for regional export and import processes.
MIP General Manager Ajay Kumar Singh commented: “This investment sets a new benchmark for Türkiye’s logistics sector. The introduction of yard automation, underscores our commitment to operational excellence, enabling us to deliver world-class efficiency and advance our sustainability goals. With this development, we are making meaningful progress towards becoming a leading logistics node in the Eastern Mediterranean!”
When completed, the EMH2 project will make a significant contribution to MIP’s sustainable growth objectives through its advanced infrastructure, state-of-the-art equipment, and technological capabilities. With the deployment of aRMG cranes, yard productivity is expected to double by June 2026, delivering a substantial enhancement in operational efficiency. The system’s fully electric and noise-free operation will minimise environmental impacts with low carbon emissions, while automation across operational processes will further support MIP’s vision of becoming the leading logistics hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.
With EMH2 expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026, MIP says it is poised to become the region’s premier logistics hub, connecting Türkiye to the future of global trade.