TRENDS IN TURKISH PORT TRAFFIC BY FLAG: VESSEL ARRIVALS AND GROSS TONNAGE

Year 2025, Volume: 1 Issue: 1, 29 - 44, 09.09.2025

Sedat Çapar

Abstract

This study analyzes the monthly trends in vessel traffic at Turkish ports between 2015 and 2025, focusing on the distribution of Turkish and foreign-flagged ships regarding arrival counts and gross tonnage. Using aggregated port-level data, the study provides a longitudinal perspective on the structural changes in fleet composition, with particular attention to the post-2019 period. The analysis highlights consistent dominance of foreign-flagged vessels in gross tonnage, alongside a partial numerical recovery of Turkish-flagged ships in early 2025. Findings are presented through descriptive statistics and visualizations to inform future research and support operational and strategic decision-making in the maritime sector.

Keywords

vessel traffic , flag analysis , gross tonnage , Turkish ports , structural change

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