90 percent of world's and 88 percent of Turkey's trade is realized by seaway. Preferred for being both economic and safe, maritime transport enables to carry big amounts of load in a lump. The increase in trade volume effects the ever-increasing significance of port management. By the end of 2012, the number of dockyards increased to 71 from 37 in 2002 as a result of effective and intensive inspection, and port industry gained speed by the developments both in private and public sector. Load handling increased by 91 percent and container handling by 162 percent as against 2003 in ports which are Turkey’s doors. According to the figures announced by TÜİK, maritime transport has been constituting around 58 percent of international trade volume of Turkey as of 2009. The cargo traffic in Turkish ports demonstrate an increase. The data from Port Operators Association of Turkey show that the CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of total container traffic volume in Turkish ports has increased by 10,4 percent and reached over 4,5 million TEU in 2009 from nearly 2,5 million TEU in 2003 (1 TEU signifies a 20- feet container and has a volume of 34 cubic meters). The Drewry Report anticipates that container traffic would be over 15 million TEU in 2025. Having speeded up since 2004 and implemented meticulously, privatization efforts made big contribution to this growth. While the effectiveness and efficiency of port services improved by privatizations, national and regional competition gained speed. Cruise tourism is emerging as another significant factor for development of ports. As a result, the number of cruise ships calling at our ports has increased by 83 percent in ten years. Renewal of current ports have been speeded up while new ports are being activated in line with the increase in foreign trade. The development plan of Filyos, Turkey’s door to Black Sea, was approved in 2011 while the foundation of a port in İzmir Çandarlı, Turkey›s door to the west, was laid. On the other hand, works are started to bring environment-friendly characteristics of ports to the forefront. PORTS BECOME ENVIRONMENTFRIENDLY Started by Directorate General of Merchant Marine within Ministry of Transport, The “Green Port Certificate” project has been put into effect as of 2012 within Directorate General of Merchant Marine. Representing a part of the EU compliance process, the certificate acts as an important step to prevent port-based pollution. PORTS WILL BE GREEN IN 2023 Facilities of combined transportation would be improved within 2023 targets. Port infrastructure in containerisation would be increased to the capacity of 32 million TEU. 7 new cruise ports would be constructed in order for improving cruise tourism. Transshipping ports would be established in Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Sea. Construction of port regions that would have the characteristics of a free zone would be promoted. Turkish P & I (Protection and Indemnity) Club would be established in order to ensure compensation of the damages that may be given to third parties in maritime transport.