Turkey is one of the most strategically located countries in terms of maritime transportation, playing a bridge role between Europe and Asia, as well as enabling Black Sea countries to connect with the rest of the world. Although there are many important ports in Turkey, Istanbul is the heart of maritime operations in the country. Strategically located, spread across two continents—Europe and Asia—Istanbul is a crucial hub for global trade. Annually, approximately 90,000 vessels pass through the Bosphorus. As a result, supplying vessels in Istanbul has become a rapidly advancing business. Some benefits of ship supplying in Istanbul include convenience, competitive pricing, fast deliveries, sustainability of operations, and last but not least, favorable weather.
It is convenient because suppliers are able to execute operations during transit, at berth, and at shipyards. Having multiple options proves crucial time and again, as time and cost constraints could potentially disrupt operations if there were only one option to choose from. Additionally, having alternatives is pivotal for the vessel crew. Considering that the vessel crew becomes weary over time during the voyage, providing alternatives to smooth out operations is key.
Prices are competitive because there are multiple major Istanbul-based suppliers with fully equipped vehicles and warehouses conveniently located near operation sites, helping to cut operational costs, which directly affects pricing. Furthermore, due to economies of scale derived from the vast number of vessels passing through the Bosphorus, suppliers can offer competitive pricing, which benefits clients. Additionally, fierce competition among major suppliers creates substantial advantages for shipowners in Istanbul.
Deliveries are quick because the major suppliers have their operation hubs strategically established near busy ports such as Zeyport. Turkey is a service-oriented country, where being a good host is considered one of the most important virtues. This cultural trait incentivizes Turkish people to deliver ordered goods as fast as possible without compromising on quality.
Although Turkish suppliers strive to be more sustainable regardless of port location, Istanbul ship supplying is a couple of steps ahead in this regard. Transportation-related emissions are much lower than anywhere else in Turkey, which is key for a greener future globally. Additionally, despite not being the capital of the country, Istanbul is the economic center with an approximate population of 20 million. This makes the city a collection point for all the freshest goods, another crucial aspect of sustainability.
Finally, the weather in Istanbul is favorable for ship supplying operations for most of the year. The calm Marmara Sea is a huge advantage for operations, significantly reducing the time and effort invested in procedures. This benefits all parties involved.
