The 7th Bosphorus Shipbrokers’ Dinner brought the maritime world together in Istanbul.

Held on June 26, 2026, at the Maçka Terrace of the Lütfi Kırdar Convention Center, the event gathered approximately 2,500 maritime professionals from both domestic and international backgrounds. Organized by the Ship Brokers Association (GBD) every two years, this event once again united the international maritime community in Istanbul, marking one of the most significant gatherings in the sector.

In his opening speech, Onur Türkeş, Chairman of the Board of the Ship Brokers Association, stated that global maritime trade is undergoing a significant transformation influenced by geopolitical developments. He emphasized that Istanbul's strategic location and the role of the Turkish maritime sector in international trade are becoming increasingly important. Türkeş highlighted that the Bosphorus Shipbrokers’ Dinner is not merely a social event but a strong networking platform that brings together industry representatives from different countries and lays the groundwork for new collaborations.

Following President Türkeş, Tamer Kıran, Chairman of the Board of the İMEAK Chamber of Shipping, evaluated the achievements of the Turkish maritime sector in recent years. He underscored the importance of working in unity and solidarity to enhance the sector's global competitiveness. Kıran noted that this organization, conducted by the Ship Brokers Association on an international scale, makes significant contributions to Turkey's maritime vision.

Unal Baylan, Director General of Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, who could not attend the event, congratulated the Ship Brokers Association in a video message for its contribution to the development of international collaborations. He emphasized the strategic importance of the maritime sector for the Turkish economy.

After the speeches, Onur Türkeş presented plaques of appreciation to representatives of sponsoring companies that contributed to the organization. The plaque ceremony was held amid applause from the institutions and organizations that supported the event.

Following the completion of the official program, the event continued with a stage performance by Ayhan Sicimoğlu and the Latin All Stars team. Sicimoğlu's energetic show and music garnered great interest from both local and foreign guests, while the event, which lasted late into the night, provided sector representatives with opportunities to enhance business relationships and come together in a social environment.

First organized in 2014, the Bosphorus Shipbrokers’ Dinner has been held every two years, except for the period postponed due to the pandemic. The fifth edition took place in 2022, and the sixth is scheduled for 2024, with this year marking the seventh time the maritime community has gathered in Istanbul. Over time, the event has become an important meeting point in the international maritime calendar.

The Bosphorus Shipbrokers' Dinner once again demonstrated, through its international participation, strong sponsorship support, and successful organization, that it is one of the most prestigious events opening the Turkish maritime sector to the world.

The organization, which significantly contributes to Turkey's international visibility in the maritime sector, brought together ship brokers, shipowners, maritime companies, and industry professionals from many regions of the world, particularly Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, in Istanbul. Participants seized the opportunity to strengthen existing business relationships while also developing new commercial collaborations.

Having become one of the traditional meeting points of the international maritime community, the Bosphorus Shipbrokers' Dinner is among the important platforms supporting Istanbul's vision of becoming a global maritime center, while also once again showcasing the effectiveness and prestige of the Turkish maritime sector on the international stage.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye