“Our future plan is next-generation fuels.”

With over 15 years of experience in the maritime sector, Emre Yaldız and Teoman Kıran, founders of Brother Denizcilik, have successfully transformed their accumulated knowledge into business, quickly establishing themselves among Turkey’s leading fuel supply companies. Highlighting that they work with independent audit firms, Yaldız emphasizes that this has ensured an unbroken trust bond with their customers. “Our goal is not to act with a competitive mindset. We proceed with confidence by utilizing our capacity to the fullest and being fully aware of our own insight and vision,” says Kıran, who also revealed plans to launch their own oil brand soon, creating a new name among local lubricants.

Emre Yaldız, one of Brother Denizcilik’s founding partners, remarked on the rapid progress they’ve made in the field: “I have been in this industry for around 17 years. Previously, I served as a general manager in another company. Since 2022, I have been a founding partner of Brother Denizcilik. The company was initially established as a ship-owning company in 2022. In mid-2024, we obtained our license from the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) and began fuel and lubricant supply operations. Essentially, our real breakthrough started about one and a half years ago.”

Focus Point: Transit Fuel Supply

“Our main focus is transit fuel supply,” says Yaldız. “We provide fuel delivery by truck at all ports from Rize to Hatay. We have a network of 25 trucks working with us across Turkey, along with our own tractor-trailers. This gives us significant supply capability in the sector. The number of trucks and supply capacity is very important in land-based logistics, and we believe we excel in this across all Turkish ports. The figures in the energy market over the last one and a half years support this.”

Supplying All Ports

Yaldız states, “We supply all ports in Turkey by sourcing from storage facilities in İzmir, Derince, and Mersin. For example, recently, we supplied 225 tons of fuel to a French warship in Antalya. After obtaining our EPDK license, we became a physical supplier. Our customer portfolio has expanded; we’ve started supplying yachts in tourism regions as well. Currently, we hold a significant market share in land deliveries across Turkey. Additionally, we supply 50-60% of the fuel needs of vessels visiting the shipyards in Yalova and Tuzla.”

Security and Quality Differentiation

Yaldız explains, “When we started supplying in the Aegean, other suppliers were surprised. We work with independent audit firms that protect both us and our customers. It’s a security system that accompanies the entire process—from sample collection to supply. All safety equipment and devices are supervised during truck deliveries. Our vehicles are equipped to supply all types of vessels. Since we comply with all standards expected by independent auditors, we conduct our operations very safely and reliably.”

Investments and Goals

Yaldız said they embarked on this journey with Teoman Kıran because their visions aligned. “The numbers in the energy market speak for themselves. Starting from scratch, we moved from the bottom ranks to the top 15 companies in just seven months. We are currently the only company operating spot barges. Our investments and vision have propelled us forward. Of course, we still have a long way to go, dreams to pursue, and goals to achieve. We aim to build a young, dynamic supply team that can serve Turkey better. We are working toward this vision. If we can build that trust with our customers, I believe we will reach great places.”

Kıran shared details about their maritime investments: “We operate İstinye Marina, the only marina fuel station in the Istanbul Strait. Providing high-quality service to yacht and boat owners in the Bosphorus line is a great responsibility and a source of pride for us. Now, we are bringing this experience southwards. In summer 2025, we will open a new marine fuel station in Bozburun Bay. We will offer premium service to yacht owners along the route from Bozburun to Bodrum. The region has significant potential, and we want to make a difference here as well. Honestly, we are very excited about this new step.”

Challenges Faced and Proposed Solutions

Yaldız says, “Turkey, especially Istanbul, is a very large market. Companies are no longer the same as 20 years ago. Everyone is trying to change and become more professional. Companies are now much more conscious and aware of sector developments. Supply anchorage areas need to be expanded and spread out because ships arrive and wait. New waiting areas would speed up our work, ease the ships’ operations, and bring foreign currency into the country. There are differences in local port rules and customs systems, and a shortage of service officers is another problem. As these issues are resolved, business will increase, and beneficial outcomes for the country will emerge. If necessary, customs could allocate more personnel to facilitate easier movement for all suppliers. Procedures applied to barges especially need to be reviewed.”

Not About Competing, But Progressing

Teoman Kıran, co-founder of Brother Denizcilik, who has been in the sector for about 16 years, adds, “I have been involved in the business since childhood. I have experienced many aspects, from agency services to catering. I am also the owner of WeShips. My main profession is ship ownership. Together with Emre, we decided to invest in the fuel side of the business. We established Brother Denizcilik as founding partners. Our goal is not to act with a competitive mindset. We proceed with confidence by utilizing our capacity to the fullest and being aware of our insight and vision. We have invested in barges and trucks, and we are working on two more barge investments. Our future plans include new generation fuels.”

We Should Utilize Our Country’s Potential

Kıran emphasizes, “We are a country surrounded by seas on three sides, from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. All commercial ships pass through the Black Sea. We have a strait like the Istanbul Bosphorus. Due to customs issues here, we are losing potential business to Romania, Russia, and Greece in the Black Sea. On the contrary, if we improve regulations, expand facilities, and adopt facilitative policies, there are many jobs we can take from competing countries. If the state expands these areas, we could generate much more revenue from this sector. Moreover, we offer fuel quality far above other regions. We know that sometimes there are quality issues with fuels obtained from refueling centers worldwide and in Europe. Considering all this, we have a significant advantage in terms of region, product quality, and qualified personnel. Investment costs in this sector are very high; a barge costs around 4-5 million dollars. Business has been a bit slow in the last 5-6 months, but there was a period when barges were hard to find. This business is like the stock market; it will rise again. We work with very few shipowners and 90% traders, bringing in significant foreign currency.”

We Will Create Our Own Brand

“We are a fuel company,” Kıran explains. “We do physical fuel supply and also engage in trading. When customers asked for lubricants, we referred them to other companies because we didn’t want to do much in that area. We didn’t want to be just one of those ordinary companies selling other brands’ products. Currently, we found common ground with a factory we partner with, which exports to 60 countries and has a modern lubricant production facility. They wanted to enter the marine sector, and we said if we sell lubricants, we will only sell our own brand. After about 4-5 months of R&D, preparations are ongoing, and we will start sales very soon. Our goal is to create a new brand among local lubricants. Our primary focus is not profit but building a brand. Profit will come once success is achieved.”

New Investments Coming Next Year

Teoman Kıran and his partner, Trabzon-based businessman Burhan Küçükakyüz, owners of WeShips Denizcilik, stated that alongside ongoing construction projects, they plan to return to their main profession of ship ownership soon and are interested in two Handysize-type vessels.

Küçükakyüz said, “Our goals at WeShips include investing in fuel, construction, maritime, and by 2026, sustainable and renewable energy sectors.”

Source: 7DENİZ MAGAZINE