KTÜ initiates a crucial polar research project to protect Antarctica's ecosystem, led by Prof. Dr. Ersan Başar with TÜBİTAK's backing.
Karadeniz Technical University (KTÜ) is embarking on another internationally significant scientific study in the fields of marine sciences and polar research. The project, prepared by Prof. Dr. Ersan Başar, a faculty member of KTÜ's Sürmene Faculty of Marine Sciences, and his expert team, will serve as a vital shield to protect the delicate ecosystem of the white continent.
The project, titled 'Determination of Oil Spills and Emergency Response Processes Following Possible Accidents During Fuel Transfer from Ship at the Turkish Scientific Base in Antarctica,' is led by Prof. Dr. Ersan Başar from the Department of Marine Transportation Engineering at KTÜ's Sürmene Faculty of Marine Sciences. It has been granted support under the TÜBİTAK KUTUP-1001 Program to enhance Turkey's strength in polar research.
The Nature of the White Continent Entrusted to Turkish Scientists. An experienced scientist, Prof. Dr. Ersan Başar, who has previously led National Arctic Scientific Research Expeditions and provided critical training such as 'survival in nature' to polar teams, is focusing on the safety of logistics operations in Antarctica with this project. In Antarctica, which has the most challenging sea and weather conditions in the world, fuel transfers from ships are a necessary but high-risk operation for the scientific bases to continue their activities. Oil spills that may occur in the event of an accident can lead to irreversible damage to the region's untouched ecosystem. Thanks to this supported project, accident scenarios that may occur during fuel transfer operations will be modeled, and rapid, effective emergency response processes will be determined according to international standards.
Strong Team in Marine Sciences. This critical work, which will provide significant infrastructure for Turkey's permanent base goals in Antarctica in terms of logistics and environmental safety, includes valuable experts from KTÜ in the field. The research team, which will reflect their experiences in marine sciences and ship operations in the project, consists of the following members:
Prof. Dr. Coşkun Erüz - Researcher (KTÜ)
Prof. Dr. Ercan Köse - Researcher (KTÜ)
Assoc. Prof. Dr. İshak Altınpınar - Researcher (KTÜ)
We congratulate our esteemed academician whose project is supported by TÜBİTAK and the entire project team, and we wish them endless success in their work for their valuable contributions to Turkey's proud journey in polar research.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
