To sum up

By building the world’s first underground cruise terminal, Galataport Istanbul has reattributed to the city the 1.2 km waterfront previously used exclusively for port activities. Located in one of Istanbul’s most culturally diverse historic districts, with breathtaking views over the Bosphorus, Galataport Istanbul is one of the world’s most remarkable cruise terminal projects. It has been executed with two key objectives in mind:

• position Istanbul as a hub port that extends from the Mediterranean basin to the Black Sea,
• promote cruise tourism to its 13.5 million local and international visitors every year.

The project is characterized by a mix of uses, combining port functions related to the reception of cruise ships with recreational functions (culture, gastronomy, art, shopping, etc.) that offer new living spaces to the people of Istanbul and tourists.

The notable innovation at Galataport Istanbul is its unique hatch system, which creates a temporary customs area while a ship is docked and releases the waterfront once the ship departs. The underground cruise terminal, spanning 29.000 square meters, connects to the temporary customs area via ramps. Its 176 independently controlled hydraulic units allow for individually controlled hatches, creating secure spaces only where ships dock while leaving other areas accessible to the public.

Galataport Istanbul was designed using a horizontal open-air urban planning strategy that respects the region’s historical fabric with accessible low-rise buildings. Small streets and expansive public areas offer different perspectives of the Historical Peninsula, both physically and visually, whereas the most outstanding heritage features have undergone major restoration works. An innovative approach lies in its visitor experience concept, focusing on public art and activities that highlight Galataport Istanbul’s values through special programs and diverse brands, offering educational and entertaining experiences.

The Galataport Istanbul project stands out for the efforts made to minimize its environmental impact, from design to operation. For example, the air conditioning systems in the Galataport Istanbul buildings are powered by seawater, replacing the use of refrigerant gases. At the same time, areas and green roofs help to reduce the effect of urban heat islands. To monitor the project environmental’s impact, seawater quality, particles, dust, and noise levels are measured quarterly, and marine ecology is monitored annually. Thanks to these efforts, Galataport Istanbul has become the second largest project in Europe to receive the LEED Platinum certification. This transformation is also crucial for economic sustainability, surpassing direct employment expectations to nearly 5,000 jobs and indirectly creating employment for nearly 20,000 people.

Design:

• Masterplanning: Dror + Gensler
• Cruise Planning Consultant: BEA, Facade Design and Creative Consultants, Tanju Ozelgin and Arif Ozden of TO Studio
• Architect of Record: Norm Mimarlik
• Interior Designer of the Terminal: Autoban
• Interior Designer of the Peninsula Istanbul: Zeyn

Positioning of the project in relation to the Agenda 2030’s goals*

*According to Galataport Istanbul

	Directly related	Indirectly related	Not related
Goal 1: Climate change adaptation	x
Goal 2: Energy transition & circular economy	x
Goal 3: Sustainable mobility	x
Goal 4: Renewed governance		x
Goal 5: Investing in human	x
Goal 6: Port Culture & Identity	x
Goal 7: Quality food for all		x
Goal 8: Port city interface	x
Goal 9: Health & life quality	x
Goal 10: Protecting biodiversity	x

 Learn more about the AIVP commitment: Commitment – AIVP

Outstanding features:

• Installation of a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system with hydrothermal seawater cooling.
• Carrying out regular energy audits that exceed regulatory requirements, to improve the energy efficiency of Galataport’s LEED-certified buildings over the long term.
• Measures to monitor and protect the marine ecosystem are led, including the monitoring of invasive species and the obligation for ships refueling to request the deployment of barriers to limit the impact of oil spills.
• The mobility offer has been enhanced to encourage the use of alternatives to the car (cycling, walking, public transport) or electromobility.
• In partnership with the municipality of Istanbul, a regular maritime shuttle service has been set up from the Galataport pier to a number of destinations on the Bosphorus strait.
• A welcome offer for cruise passengers and crew members has been put in place. This includes free Wi-Fi access and discounts in the 70 Galataport shops.
• Organization of cultural and festive events to help raise the profile and appeal of the area.
• Development of local employment thanks, on the one hand, to the growth in cruising and tourist activity (over 13.5 million visitors during its first two years of operation) and, on the other hand, to the measures taken to improve Galataport’s environmental impact.

Images of the project

About Galataport Istanbul

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