MDTO's Captain Berdan Doğan outlines a new focus on maritime education, operational efficiency, and environmental initiatives for the upcoming term.
Captain Berdan Doğan, President of the Mersin Chamber of Shipping, announced that they will focus on maritime education in the new term, develop solutions for operational issues at the port, and establish an environmental committee.
Captain Berdan Doğan, Chairman of the Board of the Mersin Chamber of Shipping (MDTO), met with members of the press to explain the chamber's goals and priority activities for the new term. In the meeting, which was also attended by MDTO Assembly Chairman Sabit Ahmetler, Doğan stated that they would adopt a management approach that facilitates members' businesses, is open to technology, and is accessible.
Reminding that MDTO is one of the two independent chambers of shipping in Turkey with a 37-year history, Doğan indicated that their aim is to enhance the commercial activities of their members and increase the competitiveness of the Mersin maritime sector.
“Time is now more valuable than cash,” Doğan expressed, emphasizing the need for the chamber to contribute in two main areas: increasing trade for its members and saving them time. He noted that they will focus on accelerating bureaucratic processes and operational procedures.
“There are two important tasks we need to accomplish for our members. The first is to increase their trade, and the second is to save them time. It used to be said that ‘Time is money.’ Now, time is more valuable than money,” he added.
Stating that approximately 80% of their current agenda consists of problems, Doğan expressed their desire to change this structure within three years. He stated that their goal is for 25% of the agenda to consist of problems and 75% to consist of goals, projects, and improvements.
Maritime education will be addressed in three areas. Doğan announced that one of the priorities of the new term will be education and that they plan to establish an education committee composed of sector representatives. The first focus of their work will be on mandatory certification training in the maritime sector.
The second focus will be on training for mid-level managers and sector employees aimed at professional development. The “Maritime Leaders Are Coming” program, planned for students, aims to help young people get to know the sector, broaden their professional horizons, and develop leadership skills.
Doğan highlighted the operational congestion at Mersin Port as one of the sector's primary issues, stating that delays lead to time and cost losses for companies.
He expressed their desire to conduct solution-oriented work with Mersin International Port Management (MIP), stating that they will not go to MIP just to explain their problems. “We will go with our solution proposals,” he said.
An environmental committee will be established for marine pollution. Doğan listed marine pollution in the Mersin Gulf among the working topics of the new term and announced that they will establish an environmental committee within the chamber.
Arguing that a significant portion of the pollution comes not from ships but from terrestrial sources, Doğan stated that waste from the Adana and İskenderun regions, carried by currents and winds, also affects the gulf. He emphasized that the work should not be limited to Mersin and called for coordination with relevant units in surrounding areas.
Doğan emphasized that Mersin's maritime potential is not limited to commercial transportation and stated that they will also focus on projects that will develop yacht tourism and maritime culture. He expressed the need for new fishing and boat shelters and stated that they aim to conduct joint efforts with relevant institutions for these investments.
Doğan also mentioned the need to support sailing and water sports clubs that introduce children and young people to the sea. He noted that they aim to provide promotional opportunities for maritime companies in Mersin through participation in national fairs.
“We will solve problems through dialogue and joint projects,” Doğan stated, emphasizing the importance of inter-institutional cooperation. He added, “We cannot solve Mersin's problems by pounding the table. We can achieve results by talking to the relevant institutions, developing projects together, and conducting strong lobbying activities. Our priority is to solve our members' problems, enhance their trade, and attract new investments to Mersin.”
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
