Logistics in Post-Earthquake Turkey

The recent earthquakes affecting Turkey, and their neighboring country Syria, has had devastating results. Not only are the recovery efforts difficult enough, but the logistical challenges of delivering much needed aid to survivors are formidable. Even before the earthquake itself Turkey had suffered a backlog of passenger flights due to snowstorms with the cancellation of over 200 flights into and out of the Istanbul Airport (IST). These flights not only carry people but also cargo allotted to any spare storage space which might be available. 

Most of the global aid has been focused on air routes rather than that by road or sea. The sudden increase in demand for air freight to the affected countries has also made it much harder to secure air charters. However, some of the major air freight carriers have partnered up to increase the efficiency of delivery. SunExpress, the joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, brought the companies together to transport more than 1,000 tons of relief as part of the “Wir helfen gemeinsam” (We’re helping together) initiative[1]. Turkish Airlines has also set a fixed rate of $5.30 USD per passenger to allow for both relief personnel, and those fleeing the disaster, to ensure that everyone can do so at an affordable rate.

It isn't exclusively air freight that is affected. The major Port of Iskenderun in Turkey has suspended operations after many containers had been toppled, sparking explosions and resulting fires. Many of the major roads leading into and out of the port have sustained heavy damage as well. Most of the ocean freight carriers have diverted shipments to the Port of Mersin on the north-eastern coast of Mediterranean Sea. Danish shipping giant Maersk has offered a relief package for containers on the water destined for the Port of Iskenderun or containers gated-in full at the first loading port bound for Iskenderun to any other port in Turkey. This includes re-stowage, operational and admin fees, and COD in this instance will be initiated by Maersk[2].

Turkey is also a vital hub for international rail freight in the region and the world, forming a southern connection of the Middle Corridor route connecting Asia with Europe. Current reports from the Turkish Transport Ministry have stated a total of 1275km of railway lines have been severely damaged or destroyed by the earthquakes in the Kahramanmaraş region. This includes damage to 446 bridges, 6161 culverts and 175 tunnels[3]. With the bulk of the estimated $84 billion cost focusing on the rebuilding of infrastructure, it will take months, if not years, for trade and logistics to return to their historic norms.

Contributor: Jason Koza

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References

  [1] Brett, D. (2023, February 17). Air cargo continues aid efforts for Turkey-Syria earthquake. Retrieved from Air Cargo News: https://www.aircargonews.net/airlines/freighter-operator/air-cargo-continues-aid-efforts-for-turkey-syria-earthquake/

[2] Bruno, M. (2013, February 13). Port of Iskenderun shipping ops rattled by earthquakes. Retrieved from Port Technology: www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-iskenderun-shipping-ops-rattled-by-earthquakes/

[3] Johnson, T. (2023, February 13). Infrastructure damage highlights severe impact of Turkey and Syria earthquakes. Retrieved from New Civil Engineer: https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/infrastructure-damage-highlights-severe-impact-of-turkey-and-syria-earthquakes-13-02-2023/