Bofeng Logistics provides international sea freight logistics services from major Chinese ports to Turkey. Turkey is an important global trade partner of China, and Bofeng Logistics cooperates with multiple shipping companies to offer both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) transport modes.
I. Route Overview
Turkey is a key global trade partner of China, with bilateral trade volume continuously growing. Major import and export goods include machinery and equipment, automotive parts, electronic products, textiles, and chemical products. Istanbul Ambarli Port (IST) — Turkey's largest port, a hub at the junction of Europe and Asia.
Bofeng Logistics maintains cooperation with multiple shipping companies on this route, offering FCL, LCL, customs clearance, warehousing, insurance, and door-to-door one-stop services.
II. Port of Origin and Destination Port
2.1 Main Ports of Origin in China
| Port of Origin | Region | Advantage | Suitable Cargo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Port | East China | Main departure port | Goods from East China/Yangtze River Delta |
| Shenzhen Port (Yantian) | South China | South China departure port | Goods from Pearl River Delta |
2.2 Main Destination Ports in Turkey
Istanbul Ambarli Port (IST) — Turkey's largest port, a hub at the junction of Europe and Asia
III. Major Shipping Lines
| Shipping Company | Advantage Routes | Sailing Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| COSCO Shipping | Asia-Europe route coverage | Multiple sailings per week |
| Maersk | Global network coverage | Multiple sailings per week |
IV. Full Container Load (FCL) Service
4.1 Available Container Types
| Container Type | Internal Dimensions (L×W×H) | Suitable Cargo |
|---|---|---|
| 20GP | 5.90×2.35×2.39m | Heavy cargo, chemicals, hardware and building materials |
| 40GP | 12.03×2.35×2.39m | Light bulky cargo, furniture, textiles |
| 40HQ | 12.03×2.35×2.69m | High-volume cargo, electronics, machinery |
4.2 Reference Transit Time
| Origin Region | Destination Port | Direct/Transshipment | Reference Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| East China (Shanghai) | Istanbul | Direct | Approximately 25-30 days |
| South China (Shenzhen) | Istanbul | Direct or transshipment | Approximately 28-35 days |
Note: The above transit times are for reference only. Actual transport time is affected by shipping line route design, transshipment port connections, port operational efficiency, weather, and other factors. Please confirm at the time of booking.
V. Less than Container Load (LCL) Service
For small-batch cargo, Bofeng Logistics provides sea freight LCL services from China to Turkey. LCL cargo is charged based on volume or weight, whichever is greater (RT = Revenue Ton), with 1 CBM = 1000 KG. LCL shipments can be arranged from both South China and East China.
VI. Transport Terms and Value-Added Services
| Term | Description | Applicable Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| FOB China Port | Seller responsible to the port of origin, buyer arranges ocean freight | Buyer designates forwarder |
| CIF Turkey Port | Seller responsible for ocean freight + insurance to the destination port | Seller controls transport |
| DDP Turkey Door | Seller responsible for the entire journey to the specified address in Turkey (including customs clearance and duties) | Door-to-door service |
Value-Added Services: Export customs declaration, destination port customs clearance agent, truck pick-up, warehousing transshipment, transport insurance.
VII. Operation Notes for Turkey Route
7.1 Documentation Requirements
- Bill of Lading (B/L), Commercial Invoice, Packing List
- Invoice must specify detailed product names and HS codes
- Some products require Certificate of Origin
7.2 Customs and Compliance
- Turkish customs has strict clearance procedures for imported goods
- Some products require CE certification or Turkish Standards (TSE) certification
- Turkey has a customs union with the EU, and some products may enjoy tariff benefits
- Free time at destination port is typically 5-7 days
7.3 Precautions
- It is recommended to book cargo 2-3 weeks in advance; during peak season, book 3-4 weeks in advance
- Special cargo (batteries, chemicals, etc.) requires advance confirmation of compliance requirements
- Free time at destination port is usually 3-7 days; demurrage charges apply beyond that
VIII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long does sea freight take from China to Turkey?
Approximately 25-30 days from East China, and approximately 28-35 days from South China.
Q2: What should I pay attention to for sea freight to Turkey?
Customs clearance is relatively strict; some products require TSE certification. Turkey has a customs union with the EU, and some products may enjoy tariff benefits.
IX. Further Reading
- Export Sea Freight Full Process
- International Sea Freight Operation Manual: Major Global Routes and Ports
- International Sea Freight Operation Manual: How to Choose Between Direct and Transshipment Vessels
X. Contact Us
Get real-time quotations and personalized logistics solutions for China-to-Turkey sea freight:
- Phone: 130-7567-8958
- Email: info@zhbfwl.com
- Online Inquiry: Get Sea Freight Quote
This article was created by the professional team of Bofeng Logistics, based on 20 years of international sea freight operation experience. If you have sea freight needs to Turkey, please feel free to contact Bofeng Logistics for a personalized solution.