Ports and Terminals

Digitizing a 265,000 square meters port

Container ports are the backbone of global trade, handling 90 percent of the world's cargo movement and ensuring cost-effective logistics. As a global leader, DP World is driving digital transformation across container ports in 78 countries, enhancing efficiency and innovation in maritime operations.

DP World Evyap is one of Türkiye's largest container terminals, established in 2024 through a strategic partnership between DP World Yarımca and Evyapport. It plays a crucial role in regional and global trade, handling 10 percent of Türkiye's total container throughput and ranking second in the country for locally traded cargo. "Digital transformation is not just about connectivity; it is about redefining how we manage logistics through real-time intelligence, automation, and predictive analytics. At DP World Evyap, we are not just digitizing operations—we are setting a new benchmark for the future of port management," says Gokhan Erbas, Country IT Director - Türkiye.

A seamless, highly available network is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. Without it, efficiency drops, and bottlenecks emerge that can slow down an entire supply chain.

"Our vision is to build an infrastructure where data flows as seamlessly as goods, enabling predictive decision-making and operational excellence," Erbas explains. Operating 24/7 in a demanding environment, DP World Evyap needs a wireless network that delivers seamless, resilient connectivity that also withstands extreme temperatures exceeding 104°F (40°C), high humidity, and significant radio frequency interference from steel container stacks and heavy machinery.

As a technology-driven logistics hub, DP World Evyap is strengthening its operations through automation, AI-driven analytics, and real-time visibility, positioning itself as a key trade gateway between Asia and Europe. Additionally, DP World Evyap prioritizes sustainability and corporate responsibility, leading initiatives in environmental conservation and digital innovation to enhance global logistics while reducing its ecological footprint.

Eliminating connectivity dead zones

Seamless and reliable connectivity is a cornerstone of digital transformation at DP World Evyap. With an extensive operational area and thousands of moving assets, uninterrupted wireless communication is essential to optimizing port efficiency. Cisco Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul (URWB) is powering this transformation, delivering high-performance, low-latency connectivity across the entire terminal.

URWB delivers the reliability needed despite challenging environmental conditions. "Reliable connectivity is not just about efficiency; it is about operational resilience. Our ability to make fast, data-driven decisions depends on having a network infrastructure that we can trust 24/7," says Erbas.

Cisco URWB provides multigigabit throughput, ultra-low latency, and zero packet loss, ensuring that fixed and mobile assets remain connected with seamless handoffs—critical for running DP World Evyap's Terminal Operating System (TOS) without disruptions.

Recognizing the complexity of upgrading such a critical system, Erbas emphasizes the importance of collaboration: "We knew this project required strong alignment between our teams, Telcoset as our trusted local partner, and Cisco's global expertise. Our goal was not just to deploy URWB, but to deeply integrate and maximize its potential."

The migration to URWB from the existing wireless infrastructure demanded careful site-wide mapping and real-time testing. Working with Telcoset, the team conducted extensive coverage analysis and installed network hardware on 60m cranes, ensuring a zero-downtime transition.

Beyond operational efficiency, the URWB infrastructure also strengthens cybersecurity. "We are a critical piece of national infrastructure, serving millions of people. By limiting URWB to our mission-critical applications and integrating it with Cisco's security solutions, we have enhanced both network integrity and operational security," Erbas adds.

With a future-ready, scalable network, DP World Evyap is well-positioned to accelerate automation, AI-driven analytics, and predictive maintenance, reinforcing its role as a next-generation logistics hub.

Driving productivity gains to support economic development

The network upgrade has revolutionized connectivity across DP World Evyap's operations, eliminating previous coverage gaps that disrupted workflows. With Cisco URWB, uninterrupted connectivity is now a reality across the entire terminal, enabling seamless coordination between assets, personnel, and systems.

"In a dynamic, high-movement environment like a container terminal, real-time data flow is crucial. Cisco URWB ensures that every operational component—whether stationary or mobile—remains connected without interruptions," Erbas explains.

The TOS, fully integrated with the new network, now delivers real-time container tracking, automated gate management, and instant customs documentation processing. "Reliable and stable network performance is mission-critical for our operations," Erbas emphasizes.

Previously, network connectivity issues accounted for nearly 60 percent of IT support tickets. "Today, those issues are virtually nonexistent," he adds. This transformation has not only enhanced workforce confidence in the system but also accelerated the adoption of new digital applications and automation processes. With its next-generation digital infrastructure, DP World Evyap is positioned to scale operations, enhance automation, and drive predictive maintenance initiatives. The port's strategic expansion plans include improvements in road and rail links, alongside additional berthing space, reinforcing its role as a major trade gateway.

The Marmara region, Türkiye's most industrialized and densely populated area, sees over 70,000 cargo ships transit its waters annually. By maximizing investment in digital infrastructure, DP World Evyap is strengthening its position as a key player in global trade and economic growth.

"Technology is at the core of everything we do, but this network upgrade was not just an IT project—it was a strategic transformation," Erbas explains. "Its success is the result of strong collaboration between IT, operations, and senior management."