Chairman Doğusel: “Kocaeli is the center of development”

At the February assembly of the İMEAK Chamber of Shipping (DTO) Kocaeli Branch, Chairman Vedat Doğusel emphasized Kocaeli’s growing importance in maritime tourism, stating, “We are pleased to see that Kocaeli, a city known for its industry and ports, is also taking strong initiatives to develop its maritime tourism sector.”

The 41st Ordinary Assembly for February 2026, held under the chairmanship of Assembly President Vefa İbrahim Aracı, opened with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem. Aracı welcomed attendees and outlined the agenda, which focused on the “Local Development Initiative Incentive Program.”

Strong Participation

The meeting drew a diverse audience, including Kocaeli University (KOÜ) Faculty of Maritime Studies Dean Prof. Dr. Nalan Tekin, KOÜ Karamürsel Maritime Vocational School Director Dr. Muhammed Bamyacı, Kocaeli Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Fatih Taşdelen, Regional Director of Customs and Foreign Trade Fatih Yalçınkaya, Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality Coordinator Abdullah Köktürk, MARKA Kocaeli Coordinator Kerim Ekrem, Kocaeli Port Security Chief Inspector Yusuf Pehlivan, archaeologist Dr. Onur Kamiloğlu, principals of Gölcük and Hereke High Schools, representatives of NGOs, educators, and maritime sector stakeholders.

Doğusel: “Celebrating the Spirit of Ramadan”

Doğusel opened his remarks by acknowledging the holy month of Ramadan, expressing, “We are once again enjoying the peace and happiness brought by the blessed month of Ramadan, which purifies our hearts, strengthens unity and solidarity, and encourages helping one another. We wish health, peace, and prosperity to our nation and the entire Islamic world.”

Emphasizing Local Development

Highlighting the importance of grassroots growth, Doğusel noted, “We strongly support the Local Development Initiative launched by the Ministry of Industry and Technology’s Development Agencies General Directorate. This program, which leverages regional potential, mobilizes idle resources, and addresses local needs, will contribute significantly to Kocaeli and other cities.”

Kocaeli: A Hub of Development

Doğusel underlined Kocaeli’s central role in Turkey’s economic and industrial landscape: “Kocaeli is at the heart of development, from our universities and the Bilişim Valley to industrial facilities and ports, serving as a hub of science, technology, R&D, and production. We aim to further enhance R&D and production through cooperation among all local stakeholders, and we are confident Kocaeli is well-positioned to achieve this.”

Maritime Tourism Initiatives

Doğusel highlighted the city’s maritime tourism efforts: “We are pleased to see Kocaeli, while being an industrial and port city, also taking strong steps toward developing maritime tourism. At the Kandıra Beaches Tourism Workshop, we observed Kandıra, a key tourism hub, advancing with ambitious goals. Similarly, in Gebze Eskihisar, once a tourism hotspot, Mayor Doç. Dr. Tahir Büyükakın’s diving activities and observations of underwater plant life demonstrate the success of our marine conservation efforts. Recognition from both local authorities and national and international experts confirms Kocaeli’s achievements.”

Trade and Port Statistics

Sharing trade data, Doğusel said, “According to the Eastern Marmara Customs and Foreign Trade Regional Directorate, Kocaeli’s exports in January 2026 reached $3.115 billion, while imports totaled $5.902 billion. Derince led exports with $1.431 billion, followed by İzmit with $998 million. In imports, Derince and Dilovası topped the list, with $2.533 billion and $1.889 billion respectively. Customs revenues totaled 42.561 billion TL, with export and import figures down 32% and 28% compared to the previous month.”

Regarding port traffic, he added, “Kocaeli hosted 659 vessels in January 2026, including 205 Turkish-flagged and 444 foreign-flagged ships, handling 3.353 million tons of loading and 4.028 million tons of unloading, totaling 6.237 million tons, which accounts for 15.5% of Turkey’s total. Container handling reached 258,941 TEU, ranking second nationally.”

Taşdelen: “Revitalizing Maritime Tourism in Kocaeli”

Kocaeli Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Fatih Taşdelen addressed the assembly, saying, “We are committed to boosting tourism in Kocaeli. While our city is industrial, it also has significant tourism potential. We aim to develop cruise tourism and expand diving tourism to welcome visitors from around the world. The Kerpe Underwater Archaeopark exemplifies our efforts, and we are confident Kocaeli will continue to advance in maritime tourism.”

Presentations and Closing

The meeting concluded with presentations by MARKA Kocaeli Coordinator Kerim Ekrem on the “Local Development Initiative Incentive Program,” Fatih Taşdelen on “Establishing Kocaeli’s Tourism Destinations,” and Dr. Muhammed Bamyacı on “Collaboration Between İMEAK DTO and Vocational Schools,” followed by sectoral discussions and member feedback.