Şadan Kaptanoğlu Launches Visionary 'New Route at Sea' Manifesto for Turkish Shipping

IMAAK Maritime Trade Chamber Presidential Candidate Şadan Kaptanoğlu announced the 'New Route at Sea' election manifesto at a meeting held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Crowne Plaza Istanbul Umraniye. Kaptanoğlu emphasized that Turkish shipping should not only adapt to global transformations but also be an actor that determines the direction of change; he shared eight strategic transformation areas with the public, focusing on strong representation, public-private sector-NGO coordination, a member-oriented service model, green transformation, international impact, data, human resources, and technology.

Şadan Kaptanoğlu, the presidential candidate of the IMAAK Maritime Trade Chamber, met with representatives of the maritime sector in Istanbul. During the meeting, Kaptanoğlu presented the election manifesto of the 'New Route at Sea' movement, explaining the new institutional role, working philosophy, and priorities he believes the Chamber should undertake in the upcoming period.

Pointing out that changing international regulations, intensified competition, increasing cost pressures, green transformation, digitalization, access to finance, and geopolitical developments have affected all components of the sector in various ways, Kaptanoğlu stated that the Maritime Trade Chamber cannot remain a structure that merely follows developments during this period.

'The Maritime Trade Chamber must prepare for the future starting today.'

Kaptanoğlu noted that the transformation facing Turkish shipping cannot be managed solely through the efforts of individual companies and expressed that the Chamber needs to become a structure that provides its members with superior knowledge about the rules of the future, anticipates risks, and charts the compliance route together with the sector.

'Our aim is to shape change, not just to keep up with it. Our Chamber should not remain a structure that merely notes problems or comments after developments occur. We need a more competent, more technical, more effective, more determined, and inclusive Maritime Trade Chamber,' he said.

Eight strategic transformation areas

Kaptanoğlu explained that the manifesto is built on eight main headings: Strong, Inclusive, and Accountable Maritime Trade Chamber; Public-Private Sector-NGO Coordination and Maritime Policies; Member-Centric and Outcome-Driven Service Model; Green Transformation, Blue Homeland, and Blue Economy; Global Impact, Maritime Diplomacy, and New Markets; Data and Information Producing Maritime Trade Chamber; Human Resources, Professional Reputation, and Future Leaders; Technology, Innovation, and New Growth Model.

'We want a Chamber that touches the lives of its members.'

Emphasizing that the value of the Maritime Trade Chamber should be measured by the results it produces in its members' daily operations, Kaptanoğlu stated that they aim for a stronger professional service model that directly supports members, ranging from regulatory interpretations to guidance on incentives and financing, and from customs and registry processes to international markets.

Kaptanoğlu expressed that the speed of response to applications, the follow-up process, and the quality of results will be tied to measurable institutional standards, and that service packages will be prepared according to the needs of different sub-sectors, with ensuring that members and branches outside Istanbul have access to the same information and expertise being one of the main priorities.

Public, private sector, and NGOs at the same table

Kaptanoğlu pointed out that the fundamental issues in shipping cannot be solved solely with the resources of a single institution or sector, stating that they will lead the establishment and institutionalization of topic-based technical platforms with ministries and regulatory bodies. Preparing sectoral impact assessments before new regulations come into force, transforming opinions from professional committees, branches, and NGOs into common sector positions, and regularly monitoring the results will be among the fundamental elements of this model.

Green transformation, data, and technology will be part of competitiveness

In the manifesto, green transformation is addressed not only as an area of obligation but also as a long-term competitive opportunity that will renew the fleet, ports, and maritime industry. The aim is to develop strong technical guidance mechanisms for members in areas such as carbon measurement and reporting, alternative fuels, green ship and port investments, and sustainable financing. This approach is evaluated alongside a broader Blue Economy vision that spans from maritime transportation to fishing, from marine tourism to offshore energy.

Kaptanoğlu also announced the establishment of the Turkey Maritime Data and Analysis Center within the DTO. Regular processing of data on ports, fleets, shipyards, freight, human resources, safety, foreign trade, and investments; the Turkey Maritime Report, Turkish Maritime Index, sub-sector outlook notes, and early warning tools will be made available to members.

Human resources and future leaders

Kaptanoğlu emphasized that the sustainable strength of the sector lies in training and retaining qualified human resources. The Maritime Career Center aims to provide stronger support for the professional journey from education to employment and from the field to management through qualified internship opportunities, the Young Mariners Council, mentorship networks, and reskilling programs. Increasing the career development and representation of women in decision-making processes is also among the priorities of the manifesto.

'The voice of Turkish shipping must be heard when rules are being written.'

Şadan Kaptanoğlu, who is the first Turk and the first woman to assume the presidency of BIMCO, stated that she aims to transfer her international experience to the institutional capacity of the Chamber. She mentioned that representation in organizations such as IMO, BIMCO, ICS, and similar structures should be evaluated not only for visibility but also for the timely and data-driven conveyance of Turkish shipping's views into decision-making processes.

Kaptanoğlu expressed that international relations will be conducted with a permanent maritime diplomacy understanding rather than instantaneous and reactive contacts; she noted that mechanisms for clustering and business development will be strengthened to support shipyards, equipment manufacturers, and service providers in accessing new markets, funds, and partnerships.

Turkey as a developer and exporter of technology, not just a user

In the technology and innovation section of the manifesto, smart ports, digital twins, autonomous marine vehicles, artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, ship electronics, and maritime software are highlighted. The aim is to bring together SMEs, entrepreneurs, universities, and sector companies in a common maritime technologies ecosystem; real operational problems will be matched with technology producers, financing sources, and the market.

'We will initiate a new leap period with the accumulation of the past.'

Kaptanoğlu emphasized that the New Route at Sea carries an understanding that embraces the efforts and achievements made in the past, stating that their goal is to build a stronger future on the existing accumulation. She mentioned that they envision a management model where branches, professional committees, NGOs, and members participate more effectively in decision-making processes; where budget and resource usage is more visible; and where institutional memory, ethics, and accountability are strengthened.

Kaptanoğlu concluded her speech with the words, 'Maritime is a team game. The captain charts the course, the crew executes it. Strength comes from unity. A common will is essential for collaboration. Our route is clear, our horizon is broad, and our preparation is complete. We will build the future together.'

Source: SeaNews Türkiye