Sürdürülebilir Bölgesel Kalkınma Perspektifinden Rize’nin Yeni Lojistik Kapısı: İyidere Liman Projesi

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impacts of İyidere Logistics Port on regional development within the context of Rize’s ongoing logistics transformation process from a holistic perspective. Moving beyond the predominantly technical and infrastructure-oriented approaches in the literature, the research addresses the economic, environmental, and governance dimensions of the port in an integrated manner. The study aims to reveal the port’s potential effects on employment, production diversification, and the region’s integration into international trade networks.

Design/data/methodology – The SWOT method is employed in this research, and the port’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as the opportunities and threats it faces, are systematically analyzed.

Findings – The findings indicate that, due to its strategic location, the port has significant potential for integration into international trade corridors. While increases in employment and economic diversification represent important opportunities, the absence of a railway connection, uncertainties regarding future cargo demand, and environmental pressures emerge as major constraints.

Originality/value – This study makes an original contribution by examining İyidere Logistics Port not only from a technical perspective but also through economic, environmental, and governance dimensions. By emphasizing the regional development perspective, which remains limited in the existing literature, the research adopts an interdisciplinary approach. The findings derived from the SWOT analysis provide a strategic evaluation framework for policymakers.