Türkiye’s Railport Launches, Boosting Intermodal Logistics with Europe

Türkiye’s nascent private intermodal sector has taken a significant leap forward with the commencement of rail terminal activities at Railport, the nation’s first privately operated intermodal facility, on November 24, 2025. This landmark event, marked by the inaugural train departure, significantly bolsters the country’s intermodal transport capacity and establishes a crucial new gateway for logistics between Türkiye and Europe.

Main Body:

The inaugural train service, expertly managed by railway operator Metrans, signifies a strategic foundational step towards developing a robust and consistent rail logistics corridor connecting Türkiye with key European markets. This initial operation is poised to evolve into regular train services, offering enhanced connectivity and efficiency for freight movement.

Strategic Impact and Vision

Fatih Yılmazkarasu, General Manager of Railport, emphasized the terminal’s immediate contribution to Türkiye’s rail transportation landscape. “The first train departure from Railport is a testament to our commitment and capability in advancing rail transportation within Türkiye,” stated Yılmazkarasu. “This operation marks the beginning of our long-term strategy to foster a more effective utilization of intermodal transportation nationwide, providing competitive and advanced solutions to our valued customers.” This strategic initiative aligns with broader goals to position Türkiye as a pivotal logistics hub along the Middle Corridor.

Operational Capabilities and Infrastructure

Railport’s advanced infrastructure is engineered to accommodate a diverse range of cargo types, integrating technologically sophisticated operational systems. Its strategic positioning is designed to efficiently serve both domestic and international logistics demands. The terminal assures that cargo traversing between Türkiye and Europe will experience enhanced schedule predictability and elevated safety standards, directly attributable to its integrated network and operational framework.

Technical Specifications

• Total Investment: $300 million
• Operating Area: 265,000m²
• Annual Handling Capacity:
  • 360,000 TEU containers
  • 1.5 million tonnes of general cargo
  • 125,000 trailers
  • 122,000 finished vehicles

Last June 2025, we published an article about Renfe’s cutting-edge Aranjuez maintenance hub. Click here to read – Future of Rail: Renfe’s Railway Technology Hub, Aranjuez: Essential Guide

Industry Context

The launch of Railport represents a pivotal moment for the global logistics industry, particularly for the burgeoning Middle Corridor trade route. By introducing private sector efficiency and significant investment into intermodal infrastructure, Türkiye is not only enhancing its own logistical capabilities but also reinforcing its role as a critical transit point between Asia and Europe. For industry leaders, this development signals a tangible improvement in supply chain resilience, cost-efficiency, and speed for cargo moving across continents, underscoring the growing importance of rail-based intermodal solutions in a dynamic global trade environment.