Our conference will be a testament to Turkey’s leadership in the industry.

We met with Mustafa Muhtaroğlu, Chairman of the Board of the Ship Fuel Suppliers Association (GYİD), which has had an undeniable impact on the development of Turkey’s bunker sector. In our conversation, we discussed the foundation and progress of the association, the growth of the sector, and of course, the upcoming 9th Istanbul Bunker Conference, to be held from May 25 to 27, 2025. Emphasizing the high added value the bunker sector brings to our country, Muhtaroğlu says,
“With our reliability, quality, and organizational competence, we have secured a strong position in global maritime trade. This conference will be more than just an event; it will demonstrate Turkey’s vision and leadership in the industry. I am fully confident that together we will take it even further.”

What was the purpose behind the establishment of the Ship Fuel Suppliers Association?

The Ship Fuel Suppliers Association was founded on June 1, 2001, and is one of the oldest sectoral associations in maritime affairs. The association’s aim was to set and raise industry standards, while actively playing a role in the sector’s development in collaboration with relevant public institutions. To this end, we organized awareness-raising events such as seminars and conferences. I had the honor of serving as the founding chairman with the support of our industry friends and from day one worked to build a contribution-focused, institutional structure. However, over time, we noticed that this approach was weakening, and along with many founding members, we eventually left the association.

What approach did you follow in the early years?

At the time of our founding, “bunker” — or ship fuel supply — was not well known in Turkey, and Istanbul’s recognition as a supply hub was limited internationally. To change this perception, our first step was to organize an international conference. In 2002, we held the first Istanbul Bunker Conference at Çırağan Palace, which attracted great interest. Since then, the conference has become a highly anticipated brand in the sector. Following the conference, the association worked closely with public institutions. For example, we collaborated with the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) during the drafting of the Petroleum Law, and we were actively involved in the Tanker Regulation process. We became a cornerstone of the sector.

Was your role at the Chamber of Shipping part of this process?

Yes, initially we were part of a large group covering various supply fields. But after persistent efforts, we established an independent “No. 13 Ship Fuel Supply and Provision Activities Occupational Committee.” I served as Assembly Member, Committee Chair, Audit Board Member, and Alternate Board Member in the Chamber of Shipping. This representation helped significantly in resolving sectoral issues.

Why and how did the association’s restructuring take place?

In November 2024, some colleagues who observed changes in the sector and felt the association had been inactive for a while came together. We held a meeting with 75 participants, and I suddenly found myself at the podium. On December 12, 2024, we took office through an extraordinary general assembly. We formed a very strong board of directors. Just one week after the election, on December 19, 2024, we announced the conference.

The detail-orientedness and elegance of women also shone through this organization; three valued colleagues – Burcu Meşelik, Zeynep Bayar, and Yeşim Muhtaroğlu – are putting incredible effort into the conference committee. Sponsorships were completed by our members in just 23 minutes! The strong interest from abroad also motivated us greatly. Conference details are available at www.istanbulbunkerconference.com.

Istanbul is now regarded as one of the world’s most reliable bunker ports. How was this achievement reached?

This success did not happen by chance. We established very transparent and sincere relationships with public authorities and continuously highlighted the sector’s contributions to the country’s foreign exchange earnings and employment. Ships refueling in Istanbul also procure provisions, spare parts, lubricants, and other supplies here, creating chain benefits that affect many industries. Today, Istanbul is the busiest refueling point for ships in the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Sea regions. In terms of volume, we rank second.

What is Turkey’s position in the global bunker market?

Approximately 250 million tons of bunker fuel are sold worldwide annually, with 50 million tons traded in Singapore alone. The Mediterranean market is around 21 million tons per year. In 2018, Turkey sold 3 million tons, capturing about 15% of this market. Considering the number of transiting vessels, tonnage, and routes, this is a remarkably high share. Turkey stands out in the region for service quality, reliability, and speed, surpassing countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Greece, Israel, Egypt, and Italy.

How did the pandemic and global developments affect the sector?

The 0.5% sulfur cap (global cap), which came into effect in 2020, was a significant change. Since this fuel cannot be produced domestically in Turkey, dependency on imports increased, and logistic costs rose. Despite these challenges, maintaining sales between 2.2 and 2.5 million tons is a major achievement.

Let’s talk about the 9th Istanbul Bunker Conference. What will be the main agenda?

The conference will take place from May 25 to 27, 2025. The most important agenda item is the declaration of the Mediterranean as a Sulfur Emission Control Area (SoX ECA) starting May 1, 2025. This mandates the use of fuel with a maximum sulfur content of 0.1%. The conference will address the technical, operational, and commercial aspects of this change.

Additionally, topics such as carbon emission reduction targets, European Union regulations, alternative fuels, and biofuels will be discussed. The conference will stand out with its warm and friendly atmosphere and social events. The program includes a Bosphorus cruise, a visit to Galataport, an opening ceremony at Çırağan Palace, and a gala dinner at the Rahmi Koç Museum, offering a rich mix of technical and cultural experiences.

IBIA is a strategic partner for the conference, correct?

Yes. I served on the IBIA (International Bunker Industry Association) Board of Directors for 20 years, from 2002 to 2022. In 2020, we hosted the IBIA Convention in Istanbul, which became one of the most spectacular events in IBIA’s history. Now, in 2025, at another pivotal moment for the industry, we are organizing this conference ourselves. The IBIA President will deliver the opening speech, which is a great honor for us.

Finally, what would you like to say to the sector?

This sector provides very high added value to our country. With our reliability, quality, and organizational competence, we have secured a strong position in global maritime trade. This conference is not just an event; it will clearly demonstrate Turkey’s vision and leadership in the industry. I am confident that together we will take it even further.

Source: 7DENİZ MAGAZINE