TURSSA's traditional iftar in Istanbul gathered maritime leaders, discussing sector challenges and the importance of unity during Ramadan.
The Turkish Ship Suppliers Association (TURSSA) brought together representatives of the maritime sector in Istanbul at its traditional iftar gathering.
The iftar program, organized by the Turkish Ship Suppliers Association and hosted by Rixos Shipyard Istanbul, was attended by representatives from public institutions, leading figures in the sector, and executives from professional organizations.
Many sector representatives participated in the program, including İMEAK Chamber of Shipping President Tamer Kıran, Assembly President Başaran Bayrak, and Düzgit Group Chairman of the Board and TURSSA Vice Chairman Recep Düzgit.
Geopolitical Developments Affecting the Sector
In a brief speech at the iftar, Zihni Memişoğlu expressed great happiness in bringing together sector representatives, members, and stakeholders at the association's traditional iftar gathering. He stated that the month of Ramadan strengthens the spirit of unity and solidarity, emphasizing that TURSSA is stepping into its 23rd year in 2026 and that the sector has shown significant development over the years. However, he noted that the increasing geopolitical risks, changing maritime transport routes, and global economic conditions have negatively impacted the maritime sector, particularly highlighting that developments related to inter-country tensions and the Strait of Hormuz passage are closely monitored from a sector perspective.
Emphasis on Efficiency-Oriented Competition
Memişoğlu pointed out that official data indicates a decline in the sector's volume in both dollar terms and quantity by 2025, stressing the importance of efficiency-oriented competitive strategies during this process. He stated that TURSSA will continue to maintain a high-quality service understanding together with its members and sector stakeholders. Additionally, Memişoğlu wished for the month of Ramadan to be completed in health and abundance, hoping that participants reach the holiday in peace.
Maritime Transport: The Backbone of Global Trade
Tamer Kıran, Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of Shipping, emphasized the backbone role of maritime transport in world trade during the iftar program.
Kıran expressed his pleasure in sharing the same table during Ramadan, stating that this blessed month strengthens feelings of solidarity, cooperation, and brotherhood, and he wished health, peace, and abundance for the entire Islamic world. Despite uncertainties in the global economy, he noted that approximately 80% of world trade is conducted via maritime routes, stating that by 2025, the global trade volume is expected to grow by 1.5% to reach 13.4 billion tons. Kıran highlighted that Turkey's strategic location makes the straits a significant transit point in global maritime trade, noting that around 85,000 vessels passed through the straits last year.
Ship Suppliers Play a Critical Role
Kıran stated that ship suppliers play a critical role in the uninterrupted operation of the global logistics chain, expressing that the sector makes significant contributions to the national economy, exports, and employment. As the umbrella organization of the maritime community, İMEAK Chamber of Shipping stands by ship suppliers at all times, Kıran affirmed, adding that they will continue to work for the development of the sector. He also thanked the TURSSA management and the association members for organizing the iftar program.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
