Ekol Maritime Enhances Training with Insights on Offshore and DP Technologies

Long-distance Captain Dr. Tuğfan Şahin shared his insights on the developing offshore sector in Turkey, dynamic positioning (DP) technologies, and his professional experiences in offshore operations with future maritime candidates and educators at a conference held at the Ekol Maritime Training Center. The event also featured the introduction of the book titled 'Dynamic Positioning (DP) Systems and Offshore Operations,' published with the sponsorship of AVS Global, Ekol Maritime, and Albatros.

Ekol Maritime Training Center, one of Turkey's long-established institutions in maritime education, added another activity aimed at connecting students with technological developments and new career fields in the maritime sector.

The event, held on October 27, 2026, in the Ekol Maritime Training Center Conference Hall, featured Long-distance Captain and academician Dr. Tuğfan Şahin as the guest speaker.

In the conference attended by future maritime candidates and Ekol Maritime's training staff, the current structure of the offshore sector, which continues to develop in Turkey, advanced technologies used in the sector, dynamic positioning systems, and emerging new areas of professional expertise were discussed.

Participants had the opportunity to hear directly from a mariner with field experience about the technical requirements and applications of offshore operations.

The conference began with an opening speech by Yıldırım Serdar Öztuna, Director of Ekol Maritime Training Center.

Following Öztuna's opening remarks, the presentation emphasized the importance of evaluating maritime education in line with the evolving needs of the sector.

In addition to traditional maritime transportation, offshore energy activities, specialized vessel operations, and maritime applications requiring advanced technology are paving the way for the emergence of new areas of expertise in the sector.

These developments make it crucial not only to equip students with existing competencies in maritime education but also to prepare them for technological transformations they may encounter in the future.

The conference organized by Ekol Maritime served as a platform supporting knowledge sharing between theoretical education and current practices in the sector.

The main agenda of the conference focused on the offshore sector, which has been developing in Turkey in recent years, and the new areas of expertise it has introduced to the maritime profession.

Drawing on his professional experiences in offshore operations, Dr. Tuğfan Şahin shared with participants the aspects that differentiate offshore activities from traditional ship management, their operational requirements, and the technologies used.

The importance of mariners having advanced technical knowledge and operational awareness in areas such as offshore drilling activities, platform support operations, underwater infrastructure works, and operations involving specialized vessels was highlighted.

Especially with the development of offshore energy projects, the need for mariners with knowledge and experience in dynamic positioning systems was also one of the prominent topics of the conference.

Participants had the opportunity to learn about the professional opportunities offered by the offshore sector and the working conditions that mariners seeking to specialize in this field may encounter.

One of the significant technical topics discussed at the conference was the Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems widely used in the international maritime sector.

DP systems stand out as advanced technological solutions that enable vessels to maintain their positions and headings within certain limits through computer-controlled propulsion systems.

These systems play a crucial role, especially in operations conducted near offshore platforms, drilling activities, underwater cable and pipeline laying works, and other maritime applications requiring precise position control.

The conference addressed topics such as the operating principles of DP systems, their importance in terms of operational safety, and the role of the human factor in the use of these technologies.

The information shared from Dr. Şahin's professional experiences provided participants with an opportunity to gain a closer understanding of the technical and operational aspects of maritime operations that utilize advanced technology.

One of the important segments of the event was the introduction of the book titled 'Dynamic Positioning (DP) Systems and Offshore Operations,' authored by Dr. Tuğfan Şahin.

Published by Nobel Scientific Works, the book serves as a comprehensive technical reference source in Turkish, addressing dynamic positioning technologies and offshore operations.

The work covers a wide range of topics, from the fundamental operating principles of DP systems to power and propulsion systems, position reference systems, sensor technologies, operational planning, and failure and risk management.

Additionally, the book evaluates technical topics such as DP classes, FMEA analyses, annual DP tests, operational guidelines, the human factor, and DP incidents, as well as systems used in diving support, platform support, drilling, and pipeline and cable laying operations.

Supported by international standards and sectoral applications, the work aims to combine theoretical knowledge with field applications for DP operators, ship captains, engineers, inspectors, maritime students, and professionals working in the offshore sector.

During the publication process of the book, three organizations in the maritime sector provided significant support.

AVS Global Ship Supply & Catering Management, Ekol Maritime Training Center, and Albatros Ship Supply & Technical Services took on the role of publishing sponsors, contributing to the development of technical knowledge in the maritime field.

The joint support of organizations operating in various areas such as education, ship supply, catering management, and technical services in the maritime sector is crucial for strengthening the sector not only through operational activities but also through knowledge production and professional development efforts.

Particularly, the development of Turkish technical resources related to maritime applications requiring advanced technology is among the important elements supporting students' and sector professionals' access to knowledge in their areas of expertise.

The work published with the contributions of the three organizations serves as a concrete example of collaboration aimed at disseminating academic studies and practical professional experiences in the maritime sector to a broader audience.

Following the presentation held in the Ekol Maritime Training Center Conference Hall, an interactive session was organized where participants' questions were answered.

Future maritime candidates directed their inquiries to Dr. Şahin regarding career opportunities in the offshore sector, the role of DP systems in the maritime profession, and the technical competencies required in offshore operations.

In the Q&A session, which also included Ekol Maritime's training staff, the evaluation of technical knowledge alongside field experiences created a productive knowledge-sharing environment for participants.

At the end of the conference, Dr. Tuğfan Şahin signed his newly published book for students. The book signing event also provided young maritime candidates the opportunity to communicate directly with the author and engage in discussions about professional experiences.

Since 1997, Ekol Maritime Training Center has been active in maritime education, maintaining an educational philosophy that supports theoretical training with practical work and sectoral knowledge sharing.

With STCW-compliant training programs, simulation infrastructure, practical training opportunities, and sectoral collaborations, the institution contributes to the development of qualified human resources in the maritime field and aims to enhance students' professional perspectives through conferences and discussions.

These organizations, which connect experienced professionals in the maritime sector with students and educators, enable participants to recognize the different areas of expertise in their professions and gain awareness of developing maritime technologies.

The conference held with the participation of Dr. Tuğfan Şahin is an example of Ekol Maritime's approach to integrating maritime education with the current developments in the sector.

Ekol Maritime Training Center continues its mission to train equipped mariners for the future by carrying out educational, conference, and sectoral collaboration activities that contribute to the development of the maritime sector.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye