By: Logistics manager

Mersin International Port (MIP) has achieved a historic milestone by successfully berthing the 400-meter mega-container vessel MSC DITTE at its newly constructed East Med Hub 2 (EMH2) Terminal. This event marks a significant upgrade in the port's capabilities, as the 880-meter terminal was specifically designed to accommodate the world's largest vessels, with the MSC DITTE having a capacity of 19,313 TEUs. The successful operation confirms MIP's readiness to function as a premier regional logistics hub and a critical node in global maritime trade routes.

The strategic importance of this development was underscored by MIP's General Manager, Ajay Kumar Singh, who hosted a welcome ceremony for key stakeholders. He emphasized that handling a vessel of this scale reinforces the port's vital role in global trade, highlighting that larger ships enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and contribute to sustainability by lowering carbon emissions per container moved. The new EMH2 Terminal is equipped with deep quay infrastructure, high-capacity cranes, and advanced digital systems to facilitate this enhanced performance.

Further solidifying Mersin's position, Uğur Tosuner, MSC's Regional Manager, described the port as Türkiye's most important trade gateway, connecting Anatolia to the world. He confirmed that the MSC DITTE is part of MSC's "tiger service," providing fast and direct connections to West Africa and the Far East. Tosuner also highlighted MSC's commitment to Türkiye, symbolized by the naming of its largest vessel, the 'MSC TÜRKİYE,' in honor of the Republic’s centennial, expressing hope for its future visit to MIP.

The international confidence in this expansion was represented by Ann Margaret Mathew, the Singapore Embassy Chargé d’Affaires. She stated that the EMH2 Terminal's completion is a key contributor to robust global supply chains and strengthened economic development links. This investment symbolizes the commitment of PSA International, MIP's parent company, to the port's future and reflects Singapore's firm belief in Türkiye's long-term growth prospects.

In conclusion, the successful berthing of the MSC DITTE is more than a technical achievement; it is a powerful statement about MIP's evolving role in international commerce. The event demonstrates significant infrastructural advancement, strong international partnerships, and a strategic vision that positions MIP as a central player in enhancing the efficiency and connectivity of trade between Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.