The “Rail&Ports 2025: Developing the Middle Corridor” International Conference, held in Istanbul between 3–5 November 2025, was organized under the main sponsorship of Türkiye’s first intermodal terminal, Railport. Organized by RDL Group, the event brought together over 200 delegates from more than 25 countries to discuss the future of transportation corridors connecting Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. As Türkiye’s first intermodal terminal, Railport once again emphasized the country’s vision for global integration in logistics and its pioneering role in sustainable transportation.
Railport, the strategic investment of Arkas Holding Port and Terminal Operators Group in Kocaeli Kartepe, continues to promote Türkiye’s transformation in intermodal transportation on international platforms. As Türkiye’s first intermodal terminal, established in partnership between Arkas Holding and duisport, Railport hosted the “Rail&Ports 2025: Developing the Middle Corridor” International Conference in Istanbul as the main sponsor.
Throughout the conference, topics such as the logistics potential of the “Middle Corridor,” new investments in rail transport, digitalization, sustainability, and short sea shipping were discussed.
In the opening session, Türkiye’s role as a bridge between Asia and Europe and its strategic advantages were highlighted, while subsequent panels focused on ports, hinterland connections, logistics efficiency, and the green energy transition. On November 5, participants will join a technical visit to Railport to observe its rail–road integration and sustainable logistics infrastructure on site.
Yilmazkarasu: “Railport represents the future of intermodal transportation”
Delivering the opening speech, Railport General Manager Fatih Yilmazkarasu emphasized Türkiye’s strategic position in regional transportation, highlighting the efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness that the intermodal system brings to the country’s logistics infrastructure.
Speaking during the session titled “The Future of Asia–Europe Transportation and Türkiye’s Role in This Development,” Yilmazkarasu stated:
“Today, we are discussing a highly significant investment that adds a new dimension to Türkiye’s logistics power. Railport, established through the partnership between Arkas Holding and duisport, is not just a terminal—it is a strategic step shaping Türkiye’s future in intermodal transportation. At Railport, our goal is to make Türkiye the most effective logistics hub of the Middle Corridor. With a total investment of 300 million USD, Railport operates on a vast 265,000-square-meter area. We have an annual handling capacity of 360,000 TEU containers, 1.5 million tons of general cargo, 125,000 trailers, and 122,000 finished vehicles—making us one of Türkiye’s largest and most modern inland terminals. Here, we are not only talking about numbers but about vision. Because Railport was designed to be one of the strongest links in trade between Asia and Europe. This investment will serve not only today’s transportation but also that of the future.”
RDL Group Founder and CEO Roman Dedkov commented on the conference, saying:
“The conference was a highly productive gathering that shed light on the future of the logistics and transportation industry. Bringing together sector representatives to exchange knowledge and experience plays a crucial role in strengthening international collaborations. We would like to thank the Railport team for their valuable contribution to the event. Railport stands out as an exemplary investment that strengthens Türkiye’s intermodal transportation capacity and serves as a strategic bridge along the Asia–Europe corridor. Such investments play a critical role in fostering regional trade and ensuring sustainable growth in logistics.”