ERKPORT — 2025-03-07
Members Corner
United Global Ro-Ro is poised to become one of the leading global operators in the transportation of finished vehicles, heavy, and oversized cargo.
With extensive experience and operational strength in Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) transportation, Turkey-based Erkport is forming a new joint venture (JV) with Noatum Maritime, a part of AD Ports Group, to create an integrated service model in automotive, breakbulk, and Ro-Ro shipping. This partnership aims to launch a new era in Ro-Ro logistics by combining Erkport's deep industry expertise and operational capabilities with Noatum Maritime's global network.
Under the terms of agreement, Erkport will hold a 40% stake in the joint venture and will contribute its existing fleet, operational capacity, and logistics network as a cornerstone of the new structure. Noatum Maritime, holding a 60% stake, will bring its global connections and logistics infrastructure to support the collaboration.
"United Global Ro-Ro," designed to connect key ports in the automotive industry, will provide tailor-made solutions for the automotive sector while ensuring the efficient transportation of heavy and oversized cargo. This new entity will lead the transformation in the industry by expanding the effectiveness and reach of Ro-Ro services across Europe, the Mediterranean, South Africa, the Arabian Gulf, and Asia.
Erkport plays a key role in the partnership with its market experience and operational capabilities in Ro-Ro transportation. Erkport's existing fleet will be complemented by Noatum Maritime's Container Ro-Ro (ConRo), Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC), and Ro-Ro vessels, creating an optimized fleet structure. A total of 11 vessels are planned to begin operations across five distinct service routes.
Tolga Emrah Gezgin, Chairman of the Board of Erkport, commented on the partnership: "This collaboration marks the beginning of a new chapter in Ro-Ro transportation and finished vehicle logistics. We believe that by combining the expertise and reliability we have built over the years with Noatum Maritime's global network and logistics capabilities, we will create significant synergy. This partnership unites safety, quality, and experience, while adressing the speed factor, which is one of the critical elements in maintaining a competitive edge. . Together, we aim to set a new industry standard."
In a statement made by Noatum Maritime, Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO - Maritime & Shipping Cluster, AD Ports Group, said, "Through this partnership, we will make significant progress in the Ro-Ro maritime industry. Erkport's expertise in Ro-Ro operations and its strong presence in the sector are critical elements for this collaboration. By combining our strengths, we believe we will offer more effective and efficient transportation services both regionally and globally."
Through this partnership, Erkport and Noatum Maritime aim to expand the global footprint of Ro-Ro services while implementing a sustainable and innovative business model within the industry.