SHIPROUTE 2026 unites maritime industry in Istanbul

Neslihan Torlak: Strength comes from unity

In her opening speech, Neslihan Torlak stated that SHIPROUTE brings together leading figures from the global maritime industry. She described the conference as an important platform not only for promoting Turkish maritime capabilities internationally but also for building lasting relationships and developing long-term partnerships.

Emphasising the importance of bringing the sector’s knowledge and experience together around shared goals, Torlak called for solidarity with the message, “Strength comes from unity.” She stressed that challenging times could be overcome through strong ties and a shared commitment to working together.

Highlighting Türkiye’s maritime heritage and Istanbul’s strategic position connecting continents, ports and trade routes, Torlak said that all stakeholders in the sector had a responsibility to help develop the country’s maritime potential. She also expressed her pleasure at Germany’s participation as the guest country and thanked VDR, the supporting organisations and sponsors.

Bornheim: Seafarers’ safety comes first

VDR President Gaby Bornheim stated that Türkiye and Germany share common interests in open sea routes, safe transport and reliable international regulations.

Noting that geopolitical developments have direct operational consequences for the maritime industry, Bornheim highlighted the risks in the Red Sea, the Strait of Hormuz, the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea. She emphasised that the safety and well-being of seafarers must remain the top priority under these conditions.

Bornheim noted that shipowners can change their routes, revise voyage schedules and update security measures. However, she said close cooperation between the industry and public authorities is needed to end conflicts and protect maritime routes.

Emphasis on financing and the green transition

Pointing out that the maritime industry requires substantial, long-term investment, Bornheim said access to reliable financing is crucial for fleet renewal, strengthening resilience and the energy transition.

Noting that the EU Emissions Trading System and FuelEU Maritime regulations are transforming the industry, Bornheim stressed the importance of predictable, internationally aligned rules that remain open to different technologies. She also highlighted the need to ensure that alternative fuels are available in sufficient quantities at affordable costs and to develop port infrastructure.

Bornheim added that digitalisation could contribute to safer and more efficient operations, emphasising that the transition requires investment, innovation and cooperation across the entire maritime value chain.

Bornheim: Seafarers’ safety comes first

VDR President Gaby Bornheim stated that Türkiye and Germany share common interests in open sea routes, safe transport and reliable international regulations.

Noting that geopolitical developments have direct operational consequences for the maritime industry, Bornheim highlighted the risks in the Red Sea, the Strait of Hormuz, the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea. She emphasised that the safety and well-being of seafarers must remain the top priority under these conditions.

Bornheim noted that shipowners can change their routes, revise voyage schedules and update security measures. However, she said close cooperation between the industry and public authorities is needed to end conflicts and protect maritime routes.

Emphasis on financing and the green transition

Pointing out that the maritime industry requires substantial, long-term investment, Bornheim said access to reliable financing is crucial for fleet renewal, strengthening resilience and the energy transition.

Noting that the EU Emissions Trading System and FuelEU Maritime regulations are transforming the industry, Bornheim stressed the importance of predictable, internationally aligned rules that remain open to different technologies. She also highlighted the need to ensure that alternative fuels are available in sufficient quantities at affordable costs and to develop port infrastructure.

Bornheim added that digitalisation could contribute to safer and more efficient operations, emphasising that the transition requires investment, innovation and cooperation across the entire maritime value chain.

German Consul General Grienberger: Türkiye and Germany seek new paths in economic relations

Speaking at SHIPROUTE 2026, German Consul General in Istanbul Dr Regine Grienberger said that representatives from both countries’ business communities were assessing the current state and future of bilateral economic relations, highlighting the importance of developing new approaches to shared challenges.

Grienberger expressed her pleasure at Germany being invited to participate in the conference as the guest country.

Noting that she regularly meets with Turkish and German business representatives to discuss the present and future of bilateral economic ties, Grienberger said both countries face significant challenges related to economic crises and reducing excessive economic dependencies.

She stressed the need to find new ways forward, adding that the conference’s three panels focusing on geopolitical developments, financing, green energy and digitalisation offered an important opportunity to address these issues.

Grienberger also noted that she would take part in the conference’s first panel and thanked participants for coming together to discuss these topics.

FONASBA President Carlini calls for maritime cooperation

Fulvio Carlini, President of the Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA), also highlighted the importance of human relationships in international trade during his speech at SHIPROUTE 2026. He expressed his belief that the conference discussions would further strengthen the longstanding maritime ties between Türkiye and Germany.

Beginning his speech by thanking KOSDER Chairwoman Neslihan Torlak and everyone involved in organising the event, Carlini said Istanbul holds a special place as a venue for discussions on maritime affairs and international cooperation, having connected continents, cultures and trade routes for centuries.

Emphasising the importance of personal relationships in international trade, Carlini also shared his personal connection with Istanbul. He recalled participating in and completing the Istanbul Marathon last year, saying the experience of starting in Asia and finishing in Europe had given greater meaning to the city’s identity as a bridge between continents.

Welcoming Germany’s participation as the guest country, Carlini noted that Türkiye and Germany share longstanding commercial traditions, strong maritime communities and deep-rooted ties with European and Mediterranean markets.

Carlini expressed his confidence that the discussions held during SHIPROUTE 2026 would further strengthen maritime relations and cooperation between the two countries.

The conference’s second panel, titled “Global Credit Solutions for the Maritime Industry: Managing Risks in Today’s Unpredictable World”, examined the sector’s financing needs and risk management amid changing global conditions.

Moderated by Prof. Dr Oral Erdoğan, Chairman of the Board of the Turkish Lloyd Foundation, the panel featured ICS Vice-Chairman and Düzgit Group Vice-Chairman Metin Düzgit, NorthCape Director Dr Jerzy Majewski, Deutsche Bank Türkiye Country Manager Orhan Özalp, and Goldsea International CEO JJ (Jian Jun) Wang.

The third panel of SHIPROUTE ’26 focused on the maritime industry’s green transition and digitalisation agenda. Titled “Green Energy and Digitalisation in Shipping: What Have We Learned So Far? (EU ETS and FuelEU)”, the session was moderated by Nils Aden, EISAP President and Managing Director of Harren Group.

The panel featured German Shipowners’ Association CEO Martin Kröger, Cüneyt Kazokoğlu, Director of Energy Economics and Energy Transition at FGE NexantECA, Mehtap Özdemir, Secretary General of the Turkish Shipbuilders’ Association (GİSBİR), and Orestis Nikolopoulos, Eastern Mediterranean Regional Head at OceanScore.

Following the panel sessions, the event continued with a cocktail reception and gala dinner before concluding with a live performance by singer Ezgi Alaş.