BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb. 6. The European
Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the
acquisition of joint control of SOCAR Aliağa Liman İşletmeciliği
A.Ş. (‘SOCAR Terminal’) by SOCAR Turkey Enerji A.Ş. (‘STEAS’), both
of Türkiye, and Terminal Investment Switzerland Sàrl (‘TISS’),
which is jointly controlled by MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
Holding S.A., both of Switzerland, and BlackRock, Inc of the
US, Trend
reports via the Commission.
The transaction relates primarily to the provision of container
terminal services in the Aliağa region of İzmir, Türkiye.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not
raise competition concerns, given the limited impact on the
European Economic Area. The notified transaction was examined under
the simplified merger review procedure.
As the largest container port in the Aegean region, SOCAR
Terminal features a continuous 700-meter quay with a depth of 16
meters, a port area of 420,000 m², and a 30,000 m² hinterland,
giving it strategic significance for both regional and global
trade. The terminal is capable of accommodating next-generation
ULCS-class vessels, simultaneously servicing multiple large ships
in an accelerated manner while minimizing waiting times.
Operating under the “Port of the Future” concept, SOCAR Terminal
applies the highest occupational health and safety standards and
maintains industry leadership through investments in digitalization
and technology. At the same time, the terminal is building a
sustainable business model focused on reducing its carbon
footprint, developing renewable energy sources, and improving
energy efficiency.