The İMEAK Chamber of Shipping highlights rising threats to Turkish vessels in the Black Sea due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
At the August Assembly Meeting of the İMEAK Chamber of Shipping, the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war on Turkish-flagged and Turkish-owned commercial vessels and seafarers in the Black Sea were brought to the agenda. DTO President Tamer Kıran stated that the increasing drone and armed attacks pose serious risks to the sustainability of maritime trade.
The August Assembly Meeting of the Istanbul and Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean, and Black Sea Regions Chamber of Shipping (İMEAK DTO) was held on August 27 with the participation of Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Mehmet Kemal Bozay and Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Durmuş Ünüvar. The main agenda of the meeting was the security risks posed by the Russia-Ukraine war to Turkish-flagged and Turkish-owned vessels and seafarers engaged in commercial activities in the Black Sea.
Speaking at the meeting, İMEAK DTO Board Chairman Tamer Kıran emphasized that maritime trade in the Black Sea is being conducted in an increasingly challenging environment. Kıran stated that attacks on commercial vessels, disruptions to voyages and activities, restrictions on entering and exiting ports, rising insurance costs, and difficulties in securing seafarers pose serious risks for the sector.
A total of 226 civilian and commercial vessels have been targeted in the Black Sea since the war began, with 163 of these vessels being attacked in the first eight months of 2026, Kıran announced.
Kıran noted that the share of vessels targeted in the first eight months of the year exceeded 70% of the total number of vessels targeted, indicating the scale of the danger facing maritime trade in the Black Sea.
In the last two months, 22 Turkish-owned vessels have been attacked.
Kıran pointed out that the Turkish maritime sector has also been directly affected by these developments, stating that in the last two months, a total of 22 Turkish-owned civilian commercial vessels, including 3 Turkish-flagged ones, have been subjected to drone and armed attacks.
Kıran also mentioned that in the attack on the Turkish vessel named Ural, owned by Kalyoncu Shipping, a seafarer lost his life, and he extended his condolences to the family, relatives, and the company of the deceased seafarer.
Approximately 100 vessels are waiting.
Kıran indicated that the increasing security issues are now affecting the operational decisions of shipowners, revealing that Turkish shipowners are facing the prospect of taking their vessels out of service for an extended period, a practice known as 'cold laid-up,' after 18 years.
According to Kıran's information, as of August 21, 2026, approximately 100 vessels are waiting in the anchorage areas of Black Sea ports, harbors, and shipyards. Of these vessels, 35 are located in the anchorage area of Samsun Port, while 22 are in the anchorage area of Sinop Port.
The DTO President warned that if the current situation continues, not only the commercial activities of shipowners but also the presence of Turkey's maritime trade fleet in the region and the sustainability of regional trade could be adversely affected.
'Our priority is the safety of our seafarers.'
Kıran emphasized that the crisis in the Black Sea has not only security implications but also diplomatic and political dimensions, highlighting the importance of diplomatic efforts to end the war and achieve lasting peace in the region.
Kıran stated that İMEAK DTO continues to work with relevant institutions and organizations, expressing that their priority is to ensure the safety of seafarers and to restore conditions under which commercial vessels can operate safely.
The meeting also addressed Turkey's maritime activities in the COP31 process, examinations and training for the certification of ship agency personnel, the 44th anniversary of İMEAK DTO's establishment, and the upcoming organizational elections.
Murat Kul, Chairman of the Fisheries Activities Committee, made evaluations regarding the 2026-2027 Fishery Harvesting Season, which will begin on September 1, wishing for a bountiful season.
Nuri Mert Can, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Istanbul Young Entrepreneurs Council of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), also provided information to the Assembly Members about the council's four-year activities.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
