According to the latest news from Vistan Mümessillik ve Müşavirlik A.Ş., the Association’s Turkey correspondent, two more earthquakes (6.4 and 5.8 magnitudes respectively) have occurred in Hatay (Iskenderun) during the evening of 20 February 2023. Not only did the earthquakes cause casualties, but could also lead to a rise in sea levels, according to the warning of the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Agency. The situation at affected ports is yet to be assessed. In addition, in order to commence routine port operations after the earthquake and fire, the most severely damaged port of Limak has initiated a process to investigate the collapsed, burning and damaged containers.

I. Removal of burnt containers

The Limak port has suspended operations since 6 February 2023 due to the first earthquake. Many of the containers were overturned, lying on their sides or slipped due to the severe shaking caused by the earthquake. The fire caused by the earthquake has been completely extinguished as of February 13 and cooling works have also been completed, thanks to the intensive and dedicated work of port team mates, public institutions, fire brigade teams of municipalities and private sectors. The remains of the burnt containers can be seen all over the port area, some of which have been moved to a place to be dealt with.

II. Damage determination

The damage conditions of the containers overturned will be determined. Currently, no inspection by any third party is allowed within the port area. About 1,730 containers were completely burnt with the cargo inside while about 3,670 containers were rescued as unburned. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been identified and no official reports of casualties or property damage have been released yet.

III. Report of cargo information

As to coordinate process related with insurance, the port has asked the parties who are authorized at goods and/or who are the owner of the goods in the port area to send the details of owner of the goods/products (seller/buyer) and if possible the relevant insurance policies to the email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. until February 21 at 17:00.

IV. Emergency response operations

The Limak port has initiated emergency response operations to manage the upcoming process in the most efficient way, and has announced to stakeholders who have empty containers at the port to start empty container gate-out operations as of February 15. Since it is important to complete the empty container gate-out operations immediately, to re-stack overturned containers and to start damage inspection procedures, the port is aiming to start the full container gate-out and unstuffing operations in March. After the stacking and counting operations are finished and the full containers are transported to the appropriate area for inspection, related parties shall be informed for the timing of the inspection of the goods. Taking into account the current conditions of the region, it is very important to follow and comply with the appointments and planning specified by the port. In the meantime, the necessary tests and repairs will be carried out on the equipment and infrastructure of the port, and accordingly the port is aiming to start vessel discharge and loading operations within three months.

The Association will remain attentive for new developments. For more information, please contact Managers of the Association.