What Safiport Derince does

Safiport Derince is a privately held, multi-modal port operator located in Derince, Kocaeli, on Turkey's Sea of Marmara coast. The company operates the Derince Port under a 39-year operating rights concession acquired from the Turkish Prime Ministry Privatization Administration on February 25, 2015 for $543 million USD, with operations commencing March 2, 2015. Safiport is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Safi Holding, a diversified conglomerate with operations in solid fuels and maritime sectors. The port is self-described as the largest in the Marmara Region and serves as a gateway to the Istanbul metropolitan area and broader Turkish import/export market.

The facility operates six distinct terminal categories plus bonded warehousing: a Container Terminal (planned capacity 750,000 TEU in 2026, expanding to 1,500,000 TEU in 2027), a Ro-Ro Terminal (700,000 CBU to 1,000,000 CBU), a Tank Terminal for liquid chemicals (500,000 m³ to 1,000,000 m³), a Solid Bulk Terminal (6M to 10M tons), a General Cargo and Project Terminal for heavy-lift and breakbulk, and an Intermodal Railway Terminal connecting maritime traffic to Turkey's rail network. A 10,000 m² Type A bonded warehouse under Derince Customs Administration supports storage services. Physical assets include four new STS container cranes on order from DHHI (Dalian Heavy Industry & Shipping) for August 2026 deployment, 27 terminal tractors, the SAFI-14 tugboat with 74-ton bollard pull, the SAFI PİLOT 2 pilot boat at 21 knots and 720 HP, and a 1 MW rooftop solar installation on the closed warehouse meeting approximately 15% of port energy needs.

Safiport generates revenue through transaction-fee pricing per TEU handled, per CBU for Ro-Ro operations, and per-unit charges for tank storage, bulk throughput, and warehousing. GTM is enterprise direct sales targeting global container shipping lines (MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Cosco, Evergreen, Hapag-Lloyd, ZIM, Grimaldi) and automotive manufacturers and logistics providers (Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai Glovis, Kia, Chery, Stena Glovis, Posco Assan). Marketing channels include a multi-language GullsEye Web customer portal, online services (vessel tracking, container inquiry, storage fee calculator, weightbridge ticket verification), a 24/7 WhatsApp support line, social media presence, press coverage in Turkish and international business media, trade exhibitions (including CIIE Shanghai), and major sports sponsorships (Fenerbahçe, VakıfBank, Hull City, Trabzonspor, Giresunspor). Leadership is anchored by the Safi family: Hakan Safi (Chairman, Safi Holding), Cengiz Safi (Vice Chairman), Said Safi (Board Member), and Arif H. Safi (Business Development Manager).

Name

Safiport Derince

Legal name

Safi Derince Uluslararası Liman İşletmeciliği A.Ş

Website

https://safiport.com.tr

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Safiport Derince is a privately held, multi-modal port operator in Derince, Kocaeli, Turkey, operating six terminals (container, Ro-Ro, tank, solid bulk, general cargo, intermodal rail) plus bonded warehousing under a 39-year privatization concession, serving global container shipping lines and automotive manufacturers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Port Terminal Operations

NAICS

Port and Harbor Operations (488310), Marine Cargo Handling (48832), Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883), Port and Harbor Operations (48831)

SIC

Water Transportation (4400)

akta.pro primary industry

Container Terminal Operating Services & Management (Terminal Operator / Concessionaire) (TLAHAAAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Ro-Ro Terminal Operations (Berth, Yard & Vessel Loading/Discharge) (TLAHACAA), Bulk Terminal Services & Operations (Stevedoring, Sampling, Weighing, Blending) (TLAHABAO), Automotive Storage & Yard Management (Compound Operations, Inventory Control) (TLAHACAC), Port Call Clearance & Documentation (Arrival/Departure, Customs/Immigration/Health) (TLAHAJAA), Intermodal Drayage Coordination & Port/Rail Ramp Transfers (TLACAEAH), International Vehicle Shipping & Export (RoRo/Container) (HSAKAFAJ)

Keywords

• Port terminal operations
• Container handling services
• Ro-Ro vehicle logistics
• Maritime cargo services
• Intermodal rail terminal

Headquarters

HQ city

Derince

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Container Terminal Operations: Container handling, storage, and related terminal services for container shipping lines. Charges based on TEU volume and storage duration.
2. Ro-Ro Terminal Operations: Roll-on/roll-off vessel operations for automotive and heavy equipment shipping. Charges per CBU (cars built unit) handled.
3. Liquid Chemical Terminal: Storage and handling of liquid chemicals and bulk liquids in tank terminal facilities.
4. General Cargo and Project Terminal: Handling of breakbulk, project cargo, and heavy lift operations.
5. Warehouse and Storage Services: Closed and open storage facilities including 10,000 m² covered warehouse under customs supervision.
6. Intermodal Railway Terminal: Railway connectivity for intermodal transport operations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Safiport Derince operates a multi-modal port facility in Derince, Kocaeli, Turkey under a 39-year operating concession, providing container handling, Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) vehicle terminal operations, intermodal railway terminal services, liquid chemical tank terminal storage, general/project cargo handling, solid bulk terminal operations, and customs-bonded warehouse storage. The port charges transaction-based fees to global container shipping lines, automotive manufacturers, and industrial cargo owners, and supplements physical operations with an online customer portal (GullsEye Web) for vessel tracking, container inquiry, storage fee calculation, and weightbridge ticket verification.

Product overview

Safiport Derince is an international port operator offering a multi-terminal portfolio across the Sea of Marmara in Derince, Kocaeli, Turkey. The facility operates six distinct terminals under one management: Container Terminal, Ro-Ro Terminal, Intermodal (Railway) Terminal, Tank Terminal (liquid chemicals), General Cargo and Project Terminal, and Warehouse/Antrepo (bonded storage), alongside a Solid Bulk Terminal. The port also provides online customer-facing digital tools including Vessel Tracking, Container Tracking, Estimated Storage Fee Calculator, Weightbridge Ticket verification, and the GullsEye Web customer portal, as well as pilot boat services via Safi Pilot. Capacity expansion is underway, with container capacity planned to grow from 750,000 TEU (2026) to 1,500,000 TEU (2027), and major equipment investments including new STS container cranes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Container Terminal Core container handling terminal serving global shipping lines with STS cranes, scheduled to expand capacity from 750,000 TEU (2026) to 1,500,000 TEU (2027). Charges based on TEU volume and storage duration.
• Ro-Ro Terminal Roll-on/Roll-off terminal handling vehicle shipments for automotive manufacturers, with current capacity of 700,000 CBU (2026) expanding to 1,000,000 CBU (2027). Same-day stocking capability of up to 15,000 vehicles. Charges per CBU handled.
• Intermodal (Railway) Terminal Intermodal terminal connecting rail and road transport for seamless logistics operations, supporting Turkey's rail network integration for hinterland distribution.
• Tank Terminal (Liquid Chemical) Liquid chemical terminal with current capacity of 500,000 m³ (2026), expanding to 1,000,000 m³ (2027). Handles liquid cargo including chemicals and petroleum products, charging per storage volume and transfer operation.
• General Cargo and Project Terminal Terminal for general cargo and heavy project shipments, handling oversized and non-standard cargo requiring specialized equipment such as heavy lift and breakbulk operations.
• Warehouse / Antrepo (Bonded Storage) Storage facilities including a 10,000 m² closed customs bonded warehouse (Type A) under Derince Customs Administration, in addition to open storage areas.
• Solid Bulk Terminal Dry bulk cargo terminal with current capacity of 6,000,000 tons (2026), expanding to 10,000,000 tons (2027). Handles solid bulk commodities.
• Vessel Tracking Online tool for real-time vessel arrival and departure tracking, providing estimated berthing times, expected departure times, and berth assignments for container, general cargo, Ro-Ro, and liquid cargo vessels.
• Estimated Storage Fee Calculator Online tool allowing customers to calculate estimated storage fees based on entry/exit dates, inspection/sampling options, weighing services, and stacking preferences.
• Container Tracking Online container inquiry system allowing customers to search containers by entry date and bill of lading number to check container status.
• Weightbridge Ticket Online weightbridge ticket verification system providing verified gross weight (VGM), internal filling/dumping material weight, general cargo, and container number lookup.
• Safi Pilot (Pilot Boat Service) Pilot boat service with fleet including SAFI PİLOT 2, providing 21 knot speed, 720 HP total power, and the highest maneuverability in its class.
• GullsEye Web Customer Portal Multi-language (Turkish, English, French, Latvian) customer web portal providing online access to port services, requiring GSM verification and user registration with terminal management approval.

Named customers15 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• DHHI (Dalian Heavy Industry & Shipping)majorTechnology or Integration · 18 May 2026DHHI manufactured and delivered 4 new Ship-to-Shore (STS) container cranes to Safiport. Equipment loaded at DHHI facilities and shipped to Turkey for August 2026 operations.
• GullsEye Web PortalcoreTechnology or IntegrationCustomer portal platform for vessel tracking, container inquiry, storage calculations, and customer registration. Supports multiple languages including Turkish, English, French, Latvian.
• ZIMmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner2023 Ro-Ro partnership expanded in 2024 to include ZMP (ZIM Mediterranean Premium Service) and TBX (Turkiye Black Sea Express) container services. GLEN CANYON vessel first call for Uzakdoğu service.
• CMA CGMmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLNG-powered CMA CGM SCANDOLA (15,000 TEU, 366m) first Turkey call at Safiport. First CMA CGM Ro-Ro vessel INDIANAPOLIS (7,000 CEU capacity) handled with 5,000 vehicles loaded.
• Cosco ShippingmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple vessel calls including Seine (2,000 TEU), AGT service with AS ANITA, Chery vehicle Ro-Ro shipment (~4,000 vehicles), and ongoing container services.
• Stena GlovismajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRo-Ro and vehicle shipping partnership. General Manager Wan Hee Han visit to port in January 2026.
• Hyundai GlovismajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVehicle shipping logistics partnership with multiple visits including Senior Vice President Hyun-Joong Kim. Coordinated CMA CGM INDIANAPOLIS Ro-Ro operations.
• Toyota MotormajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor automotive logistics partnership with multiple executive visits including Production GM Cem Kulu, Turkey Logistics Center Manager Serkan Ergun, and various Toyota Motor Europe representatives.
• Mercedes-Benz TurkeymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAutomotive logistics partnership including visit by Turkey Executive Committee Chairman Şükrü Bekdikhan and Sales/Marketing Director Nadine Adam.
• Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVehicle shipping group visit with General Manager Keiji Tamori and team discussing ongoing cooperation.
• GrimaldiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRo-Ro shipping partnership with Turkey GM Olivieri Francesco visit discussing operations and cooperation.
• Grimaldi TurkeyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRepresented by Arkas CEO Cenk Değer with Short Distance Adriatic Route GM Unzio Sevarese.
• Corten ShippingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCorten Shipping Russia Service added Safiport to routes with MV. NADIA first vessel call.
• Akkon LinesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorContainer service partnership for East Marmara region with ongoing container services.
• Hull City (Championship Football Club)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerMain shirt sponsor for 2024/25 season. SAFIPORT logo on back of first team shirts and academy shirts. International brand visibility through UK club ownership by Acun Ilıcalı.
• Fenerbahçe Spor KulübümajorGTM or Marketing PartnerMultiple sponsorship agreements including football (sleeve sponsor), basketball (short sponsor, team naming), volleyball (team sponsor). 5-year sponsorship relationship.
• VakıfBank Kadın Voleybol TakımımajorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of 4-time World Champion volleyball team. Supported team championships and CEV Champions League finals.
• Medlog (MSC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMSC's logistics subsidiary Medlog Marmara Regional Manager Semih Karacaoğlu visit discussing new maritime lines and land logistics investments.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• CMA CGM (Terminal Link): Major Safiport container and Ro-Ro customer (SCANDOLA, INDIANAPOLIS calls) operating its own terminal arm; relevant as both a customer relationship and a benchmark for shipping-line-integrated terminal economics.

Broad incumbents

• MIP (Mersin International Port): PSA/Akfen consortium operating Turkey's largest Mediterranean port at Mersin, providing container, general cargo, and Ro-Ro services. Competes with Safiport for trans-Mediterranean container volumes into/out of Turkey.
• DP World: Global port operator with terminal network across six continents. While not a direct Turkish competitor, DP World competes for the same global container shipping line partnerships (MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM) that Safiport serves.
• APM Terminals (Maersk): Maersk's port operator arm; relevant because Maersk is one of Safiport's named container customers and APM Terminals operates competing facilities in the wider Mediterranean/Black Sea region.
• PSA International: One of the world's largest container terminal operators with global network including a stake in Turkey's MIP. Competes indirectly for shipping line business and benchmark vessel-call productivity.
• Hutchison Ports: Global container terminal operator with European presence; competes with Safiport for Mediterranean and Black Sea container volumes and provides a benchmark for operational scale and STS crane investment.

Direct peers

• Global Ports Holding: Largest independent cruise port operator and increasingly active in commercial port concessions globally. Comparable as a publicly-listed port concession operator pursuing multi-asset, multi-geography strategies similar to Safiport's concession-based model.
• Yilport Holding: Turkish-headquartered multi-terminal port operator with significant presence at Turkish ports including Gemport and Yarimca (neighboring Safiport's Derince). Operates container, bulk, and Ro-Ro terminals with comparable intermodal rail connectivity — the most direct domestic competitor.
• Marport (Mardas): Operates a major container terminal at Ambarli in the Marmara region, competing directly with Safiport Derince for global container shipping line calls serving Istanbul and Turkish hinterland.

Regional players

• Grimaldi Group: Major Ro-Ro and vehicle carrier with active Safiport partnership; serves European-Mediterranean-Black Sea vehicle shipping routes that flow through Turkish ports like Derince.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCff78yc72CzIYHpS1TysVSw
• Facebooktr-tr.facebook.com/safiportderince
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/safiport-derince
• Instagraminstagram.com/safiportderince

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Safiport Derince