KOSDER Hosts a Panel on Global Economy and Maritime Markets

KOSDER Hosts a Panel on Global Economy and Maritime Markets

The Turkish Shipowners and Operators Association (KOSDER) brought together leading figures of the maritime industry at the prestigious Büyük Kulüp in Istanbul.

The Traditional Breakfast Event Meeting organized specifically for 2025 took place with the participation of prominent personalities from the maritime world.

The opening speech of the event was delivered by KOSDER Board Chairman Hakan Çendik.

Çendik, in his speech, expressed their pride in marking the 10th anniversary of the association and emphasized that KOSDER has evolved into a civil society organization that produces solutions not only for its members but also for the entire Turkish maritime sector.

Çendik stated, "We have become a large family that seeks solutions to the problems of Turkish maritime and has gained an international dimension."

 Leading experts from the sector provided valuable insights into the current state of maritime markets and future trends.

The event, held in Istanbul, featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including Prof. Dr. Erhan Arslanoğlu, Faculty Member of the Department of Economics at Istanbul Bilgi University, Engin Koçak, Coordinator at Navis Consultancy, Andrew Losos, Senior Transport Specialist at the World Bank, Dr. Mehmet Doymuş, Faculty Member at Dokuz Eylül University, and Yusuf Yalçın Çapoğlu, Vice President of KOSDER’s Board of Directors.

Global Economy and the Maritime Sector

The panel explored the effects of global economic fluctuations on the maritime industry. Prof. Dr. Erhan Arslanoğlu emphasized the impact of global uncertainties and geopolitical risks on maritime transport. He shared insights into how factors such as energy prices and trade wars are shaping the maritime sector.

Engin Koçak focused on the digital transformation of maritime markets and how technological innovations are improving sector efficiency. Koçak discussed the potential of artificial intelligence and data analytics to revolutionize ship management and logistics processes in the future.

Sustainability and Investments

Andrew Losos, Senior Transport Specialist at the World Bank, highlighted the importance of sustainable maritime policies. Losos stressed the need for global trade to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring that investments in the sector align with sustainability goals. He pointed out the need for increased adoption of clean energy and environmentally friendly technologies.

Dr. Mehmet Doymuş addressed the current state of Turkey's maritime sector and its future opportunities. Doymuş emphasized the importance of strengthening Turkey’s maritime infrastructure, discussing the potential it offers to both domestic and foreign investors.

The Future of the Turkish Maritime Sector

At the end of the panel, Yusuf Yalçın Çapoğlu, Vice President of KOSDER, pointed out that strategic steps must be taken to increase Turkey’s competitiveness in the maritime industry. He highlighted Turkey’s strong port infrastructure and strategic location as advantages, stressing that a shared vision is needed to make the country more effective in the global maritime arena.

The event continued with a Q&A session, allowing participants to exchange more insights on the future of the maritime sector. It was emphasized that KOSDER’s panels serve as an important information source for industry professionals and contribute to strengthening collaborations within the sector.

At the end of the event, KOSDER Board Chairman Hakan Çendik thanked the participants and extended his wishes for health, peace, and success in 2025. The event proved to be a productive platform for exchanging ideas among maritime industry professionals and paved the way for new collaborations.