Minister Uraloğlu: Türkiye Ranks Among Top 10 in Maritime Industry

As part of the “Century of Türkiye Meetings,” Minister Uraloğlu attended a program held yesterday on Büyükada in honor of “World Maritime Day.”

In his speech, the Minister highlighted maritime transport statistics: “As is known, in 2024, 88% of global freight transportation was carried out via maritime routes, and global maritime freight traffic increased by 2.4%, reaching 12.643 billion tons. In our country, 86% of foreign trade transportation is conducted by sea. These figures once again underscore the strategic importance of maritime transport in international trade. Since 2002, the amount of cargo handled at our ports has increased by 180%, and container volume by 443%. In 2024, the total cargo handled at our ports reached approximately 532 million tons, and container volume reached 13.529 million TEUs. In the January–August period of this year, cargo handled at our ports increased by 3.0% compared to the same period last year, reaching 366.799 million tons. Container volume also rose by 3.5%, reaching 9.381 million TEUs,” he stated.

“Our Turkish Merchant Fleet Is Now in the Global Top 10”

Minister Uraloğlu continued: “In our recent maritime programs, we made a promise: to elevate our Turkish merchant fleet into the global top 10. We said, ‘Have no doubt—we are determined to overcome the final wave and soon raise our flag among the leading maritime nations in the top 10.’ Thankfully, we worked with determination to reach this goal, overcame the final wave, and achieved this great success. We have elevated our country among the maritime nations and secured our place among the top 10 leaders. Our Turkish-owned merchant fleet of vessels over 1,000 gross tons has reached a deadweight capacity of 53.1 million, moving up from 11th to 10th place globally. I congratulate everyone who contributed to this achievement. And once again, I proudly declare: Türkiye is in the top 10 in maritime.