Flexible shipping options for all needs
We match the container format to your shipment. FCL gives you a dedicated 20ft or 40ft container for full loads with faster handling at Ambarlı and Mersin. LCL lets you share container space and pay only for the volume you use, ideal for smaller or trial shipments into the Turkish market.
Ocean freight shipping costs to Turkey
Sea freight to Turkey is priced on weight, volume, container size, origin and destination ports, and season. We bill in USD to shield you from Turkish Lira volatility and give you a clear, itemized rate before booking.
Factors that influence ocean freight rates
Weight and volume, 20ft vs 40ft container size, the origin/destination port pair (for example Houston→Mersin or New York→Ambarlı), seasonality, and fuel surcharges all affect the final rate.
Comparing ocean freight to other shipping methods
Ocean freight costs far less than air for the same weight but takes longer in transit. For urgent or high-value cargo, compare with air freight to Turkey; for full containers, see shipping a container to Turkey.
Request an accurate quote for ocean shipping
Send us your commodity, volume, and port pair, and we return an itemized FCL or LCL quote.
Key shipping routes and ports in Turkey
Turkey's main maritime gateways sit on the Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean coasts, each serving a different industrial hinterland.
Popular Turkish ports for ocean freight
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Ambarlı (Istanbul): the largest container complex, serving the Marmara industrial belt.
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Mersin International Port (MIP): the main Mediterranean gateway, also serving Iraq and the eastern Med.
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Asyaport (Tekirdağ): the largest by capacity, a deep-sea transshipment hub.
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İzmir/Aliağa: APM Terminals Aliağa and Nemport for the Aegean region.
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Gemlik (Gemport): automotive and RO/RO exports for Bursa.
Transit times from major U.S. ports to Turkey
Transit from U.S. East and Gulf coast ports to Ambarlı or Mersin typically ranges from 18 to 30 days depending on direct vs transshipment routing and carrier rotation.
Direct vs. transshipment options for Turkey shipments
Direct services minimize transit time; transshipment through Mediterranean hubs can lower cost and add routing flexibility. We map each shipment to the option that fits your deadline and budget.
Customs requirements and documentation for Turkey ocean freight
All cargo must comply with Turkish Customs (Türkiye Gümrük) regulations and carry the correct GTİP tariff classification.
Essential customs documents for smooth clearance
Commercial invoice, Bill of Lading, packing list, and, where applicable, certificate of origin (key to claiming EU-Turkey Customs Union duty-free treatment on industrial goods).
Turkey import regulations and permitted items
Electronics, food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals are subject to sector-specific rules; food falls under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, pharmaceuticals under TİTCK. We confirm requirements before loading.
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Prohibited and restricted items for ocean freight shipments
Firearms and ammunition, certain chemicals and hazardous materials, and unapproved pharmaceuticals require special permits or are prohibited. We screen every shipment against Turkish import rules.
