Launched in May 2023 under the leadership of GİSBİR, the “Seagrass Distribution Mapping Project” continues successfully under the coordination of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and in collaboration with Dokuz Eylül University.
GISBIR’s Seagrass Planting Project Continues
“Ghost” Era in the Blue Homeland: AI-Powered USV Project from Mersin University
Mersin University has launched a new project, supported by TÜBİTAK, to develop an unmanned surface vessel (USV) with low radar visibility and high maneuverability. The project, led by Prof. Dr. Caner Özdemir, Head of the Telecommunications Division at the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Mersin University, has been funded under the TÜBİTAK 1001 program.
The study, to be carried out in collaboration with Piri Reis University and İzmir Kâtip Çelebi University, aims to design indigenous unmanned surface vessels with low radar visibility and high hydrodynamic performance.
Unlike traditional ship design processes, the project will adopt an integrated approach combining electromagnetic scattering analysis with computational fluid dynamics simulations.
Upon completion, the project will deliver two preliminary designs for the defense industry: an unmanned reconnaissance and surveillance vessel of 12–13 meters in length, and an unmanned kamikaze vessel of 6–7 meters.
While Mersin University will be responsible for radar cross-section simulations and AI-based optimization, Piri Reis University and İzmir Kâtip Çelebi University will lead the computational fluid dynamics processes.
IMO Data Regulations Tighten: Experts Warn of a New Compliance Era
The international maritime industry is racing against time to comply with the expanded Data Collection System (DCS) requirements. Germany-based CM Technologies has issued a warning to shipowners and operators, emphasizing that data required for 2027 reporting must be collected starting from the very first days of 2026.
Although the new regulation—covering all ships of 5,000 GT and above engaged in international voyages—officially entered into force in August 2025, the reporting timeline is based on a full calendar year.
The updated rules require not only total fuel consumption data, but also far more detailed and disaggregated information, including fuel usage across different onboard systems, distance traveled, and voyage duration.
Experts highlight that the new system represents a shift from “estimation and reconciliation” to “direct measurement.” Incomplete or inconsistent datasets may prevent vessels from obtaining their Statement of Compliance.
A New Era for European Shipyards: What Does the “Made in EU” Package Include?
The European Commission aims to protect the shipbuilding industry within the European Union, ensure that strategic equipment is produced within EU borders, and strengthen local production through a new industrial package to be announced.
Prepared under the “Made in EU” approach, the package seeks to reduce external dependency in critical sectors, particularly in maritime.
According to the draft regulation under development, public procurement will be shaped not only by price, but also by criteria such as EU origin, sustainability, and supply chain security. In this way, the production of strategic maritime assets—such as ferries, research vessels, icebreakers, and tugboats—will be encouraged within EU shipyards.
Within the scope of the package, it is envisaged that the European Investment Bank and similar financial institutions will facilitate access to financing for ships and equipment produced in the EU. This aims to enhance the competitiveness of European shipyards and ensure that new orders remain within the Union.
This step is expected to mark the beginning of a new era for the European shipbuilding industry.
The Latest Shipbuilding and Repair Principles Are Positive, but Require Careful Review
The Turkish Shipbuilders’ Association (GİSBİR) held its second Board of Directors meeting of 2026 on Tuesday, January 20. The meeting, which took place at the GİSBİR headquarters, was chaired by Murat Kıran and conducted in a hybrid format with members attending both in person and online.
During the meeting, new shipbuilding and ship repair principles were thoroughly discussed and carefully evaluated.
First Meeting of the New Year: 2026 Set to Be a Critical Year for the Sector
The Turkish Shipbuilders’ Association (GİSBİR) held its first Board of Directors meeting of 2026 on Tuesday, 6 January. The meeting took place at GİSBİR’s headquarters under the chairmanship of Murat Kıran, with board members attending in person.
During the meeting, an evaluation of the year 2025 was conducted, and budget plans and priorities for the new year were discussed. Following the meeting, Chairman of the Board Murat Kıran shared his assessments of the key topics highlighted during the session with GİSBİR TV.
Visit to GİSBİR by the Sudanese Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport
Continuing its international partnerships and initiatives without interruption, GİSBİR hosted a delegation led by Gaylani Mohamed Gaylani, Director General of the Sea Ports Corporation under the Sudanese Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, during a meeting held in this context. The meeting was attended by GİSBİR Secretary General Mehtap Özdemir, Tuzla Port Director Ahmet Porsuk, and Foreign Relations Specialist Ahmet Şamlıoğlu.
At the conclusion of the meeting, GİSBİR Secretary General Mehtap Özdemir shared an overview of the key discussion topics and outlined the next steps to be taken.
A Roadmap for the Future Drawn at the Green Transformation Summit
The “2nd Green Transformation in Maritime Summit,” organized by the İMEAK Chamber of Shipping, was held on Wednesday, 24 December 2025, at the Tuzla Campus of Piri Reis University.
The summit was organized with the aim of contributing to and drawing attention to the transformation of the maritime sector into a more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and future-oriented structure within the framework of the IMO’s 2023 GHG Strategy and the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) implemented in response to global climate change. During the event, key topics such as strategies for a decarbonized future in maritime transport, alternative energy sources, low-carbon fuel technologies and infrastructure, as well as sustainable production and circular economy approaches in shipyards, shipbuilding, and ports were discussed.
Speaking at the session titled “Shipbuilding and Ports,” GİSBİR Secretary General Mehtap Özdemir responded to questions from participants and shared insights on shipyards’ green transformation initiatives, the steps taken to date, and the practices planned for the future.
New Customs Exemption Announced for the Maritime Sector
The General Directorate of Shipyards under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has announced that a new regulation is planned regarding customs exemptions for maritime transport vehicles. In the official statement, it was recalled that customs exemption is currently granted for equipment and operational supplies brought from foreign ports by air and sea transport vehicles for their own use, or sent on behalf of such vehicles, upon their entry into free circulation.
In line with the relevant provisions of the legislation, it was stated that a regulatory amendment is planned to establish a new exemption code specifically for maritime transport vehicles and to enable companies to be registered under this exemption code.
Within this framework, companies wishing to benefit from the exemption will be required to have their Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) and company titles registered in the BİLGE (Computerized Customs Activities) System of the Ministry of Trade.
GISBIR is the Main Sponsor of the 9th Mare Forum Istanbul and the 3rd Superyacht Türkiye!
The Turkish Shipbuilders’ Association (GISBIR) proudly stands as the main sponsor of the 9th Mare Forum Istanbul and the 3rd Superyacht Türkiye, two of the most prestigious events in the maritime sector. These events will take place on May 21-22, 2025, at Crowne Plaza Istanbul – Asia (Kurtköy).
Bringing together national and international representatives of the shipbuilding and yacht sectors, these events will focus on critical topics such as sustainable maritime practices, innovative technologies, and the future of the industry.
As the main sponsor, GISBIR is proud to support this distinguished organization and warmly invites all industry stakeholders to participate.
📅 9th Mare Forum Istanbul – May 21, 2025
📅 3rd Superyacht Türkiye – May 22, 2025
📍 Crowne Plaza Istanbul – Asia (Kurtköy)
📌 For details and registration: Mare Forum Official Website
