Abstract:

Terminals handling automotive cargo in Turkey are located in the Gulf of Izmit in the eastern part and also in the Gulf of Gemlik in the southern part of the Marmara Region. These terminals are also used by automotive manufacturers and distributor companies established in these regions and hinterland. On the other hand, companies operating car carrier make a choice between these ports and/or continue their cooperation in a strategic partnership. Studies examining customer trends and service demands in these terminals, which are called Ro-Ro terminals, are very limited in the literature. The fact that Ro-Ro terminals require relatively specialization compared to other terminal types and the difficulty of obtaining information about the sector has affected the number of studies conducted. In this respect, this study will be the first study to be conducted on Ro-Ro terminal selection. The aim of this thesis is to examine the factors affecting the preference of the ports where the automotive cargoes are handled, which is among the most important export products of our country, by the ship line operators, to prioritize the factors according to the general trend, and to make recommendations and suggestions as a result.

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