Vahap Munyar's article in Nasıl Bir Ekonomi features my views on the future of the maritime industry, its ongoing transformation, and Türkiye's vision for strengthening its position in global shipping.
We came together with the esteemed names who have led KOSDER — one of our maritime sector's most valued organizations — from past to present: Mr. Hüseyin Kocabaş, Salih Zeki Çakır, Pınar Kalkavan, Hakan Çendik, and current President Ms. Neslihan Torlak Gönençer, to evaluate the sector's priorities, expectations, and future goals. At the gathering, held with the participation of board members, we sincerely discussed the current state of Turkish maritime affairs, its future, and the steps that need to be taken to carry it forward.
The visit, hosted by KOSDER Board Chair Neslihan Torlak Gönençer and board members, was also attended by KOSDER Honorary President Capt. Salih Zeki Çakır, along with the association's former presidents Pınar Kalkavan Sesel, Hüseyin Kocabaş, and Hakan Çendik. Meeting with sector representatives during the visit, Kaptanoğlu stated that, if elected, they aim to further strengthen the sector's representation within the Istanbul Chamber of Shipping (İMEAK) through a shared wisdom and participatory management approach. Sharing the projects prepared in line with the "A New Route at Sea" vision, Kaptanoğlu also offered assessments on the current challenges facing the maritime sector and proposed solutions.
Noting that the Turkish maritime sector has recently undergone a multifaceted transformation process, Kaptanoğlu highlighted the need to simultaneously address critical issues such as digitalization, the green transition, alternative fuels, access to financing, rising cost pressures, and global competition. She emphasized that the Chamber of Maritime Trade must adopt a faster, more technically oriented, inclusive, and results-oriented structure in the coming period.
Following her announcement as a candidate for the Presidency of the Board of Directors of the İMEAK Chamber of Shipping, Şadan Kaptanoğlu met with members of the maritime press to share her priorities and vision for the future of the sector.
Kaptanoğlu outlined eight strategic priorities for the future of Turkish shipping, including adapting to a changing world, strengthening member representation, delivering tangible value to members, leading the sector’s green transition, amplifying Türkiye’s voice internationally, enhancing public-private-NGO collaboration, ensuring equal support for all branches and professions, and creating greater opportunities for young professionals and women.
Kaptanoğlu aims to transform the Chamber of Shipping into an institution focused on measurable outcomes and lasting value rather than visibility. Under her vision, the Chamber will evolve from simply identifying challenges into a proactive platform that mobilizes the collective expertise of the maritime sector and delivers practical solutions for its members.
“Each of us may be on a different course, but we are all navigating the same currents. Our goal should not be to keep pace with change, but to shape and manage it together.”
Kaptanoğlu stated that the maritime sector is facing significant transformations across multiple areas, including digitalization, green transition, alternative fuels, access to finance, rising cost pressures, and global competition. “Each of us may be on our own course, but we are all navigating the same currents. Our goal should not be merely to adapt to change, but to manage change together,” she said.
