Investigation of empty container problem for Turkish ports

In today?s shipping, container transportation is the most prefered transportation way after liquid cargo transportation. International trading volume by sea way is dramatically increasing each day and 95 % of general cargo types in the world are transporting with container due to being cheap, safe and capable of carrying much more cargo in a single operation.Several statistics show that worldwide container number was, 16 million TEU in the year of 2001, 18,8 million TEU in 2004 and 21 million TEU in 2005. By the 2010, it is estimated to be over 25 million TEU. Increasing number of containers have a negative effect on many ports performance all over the world, by creating problems especially about storage, transportation, repositioning of empty containers and narrowing of the operation areas.In this study, empty container management issue which is one of the most popular topics in recent years, is discussed. Having the 80 % of the container trade volume in our country, Gemport, Haydarpa?a, ?zmir, Kumport, Marda?, Marport and Mersin ports are evaluated statistically. Several interviews and discussions have been made with port authorities and governing departments. As a result, it is observed that there is no empty container accumulation problem in the examined ports except Haydarpa?a and Kumport. Based on general statistics, Turkish container ports currently do not suffer from empty container problem as overall container circulation close to equlibrium but the problem has a potential to create a risk on developing international trade of Turkey.Key Words: Empty Container, Empty Container Problem, Turkey