The Istanbul and Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean, and Black Sea Regions (İMEAK) Chamber of Shipping (DTO) April Assembly Meeting was held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Conference Hall of the Turkish Maritime Education Foundation (TÜDEV) Maritime Training Center in Tuzla.

In the meeting chaired by Assembly President Başaran Bayrak, the agenda items were discussed.

İMEAK Chamber of Shipping Board Chairman Tamer Kıran evaluated the developments in the global economy in his speech. Kıran noted that a permanent agreement has not yet been reached in the ongoing war between the United States and Iran, highlighting that military activity and uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz continue, which will affect the global economy through energy, food, and supply chains.

Reminding that a significant portion of the energy passing through the Strait of Hormuz is directed towards Asia, Kıran stated that many production centers, from China to India and from South Korea to Vietnam, could be directly affected by these developments. Emphasizing that keeping the Strait open is critically important in terms of economic consequences, Kıran expressed that a rapid recovery could also be possible in a potential normalization process.

Tamer Kıran mentioned that although there is some slowdown in domestic demand in Turkey, there is a notable recovery in Central Bank reserves, with gross reserves reaching $170.9 billion and net reserves reaching $52.9 billion as of April 27.

Kıran pointed out that the process initiated by the attacks of the U.S. and Israel on Iran, followed by the energy crisis around the Strait of Hormuz, has created a new scenario for global trade and energy security, increasing Turkey's strategic importance regarding alternative energy and logistics corridors.

Kıran expressed that achieving lasting peace in the region and ensuring the secure operation of trade routes is the greatest wish.

Expectation of Slowdown in Global Shipping

Tamer Kıran stated that global maritime transportation has been directly affected by recent developments, noting that the sector, which grew by 1.7% in tonnage in 2025, recorded a 5% growth in the first two months of 2026, but has entered a more fragile process with recent developments.

He indicated that changes in oil and natural gas trade support growth on a ton-mile basis, but the overall growth expectation has been revised downward, suggesting that growth could remain at 0.3% for 2026.

Kıran emphasized that the heaviest burden of the crisis is borne by maritime workers, stating that at least 10 sailors have lost their lives in attacks in the region, 20,000 sailors are stranded in the Gulf, and basic needs on ships are beginning to run out, underlining that the safety of seafarers is above any economic calculations.

Important Events in April

Kıran noted that one of the significant events held in April was the tree-planting ceremony for the 'Maritime Memorial Forest,' where 22,000 saplings were planted on an area of 120 acres in the Şile Road Çekmeköy area.

He also mentioned that the Ankara Office of the Chamber of Shipping was opened on April 23, National Sovereignty and Children's Day, stating that this office will contribute to more effective relations with public institutions.

The 8th Joint Professional Committees Meeting of İMEAK DTO was held

Following the April assembly meeting, the 8th Joint Professional Committees Meeting of the İMEAK Chamber of Shipping, covering the 2022-2026 working period, was also held at the same venue.

The meeting was attended by many public representatives and industry stakeholders, including Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Nadir Alpaslan and Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Durmuş Ünüvar.

During the meeting, global economy, geopolitical developments, and their impacts on the maritime sector were discussed, along with the support and incentives needed by the sector.

Members of the professional committees voiced their problems, while the relevant Deputy Ministers provided evaluations regarding the proposed solutions.

The meeting concluded after mutual exchanges of views and well-wishes.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye