The Turkish Shipbrokers Association concluded 2025 as a year marked by strong momentum, expanded cooperation, and initiatives that delivered tangible value to the maritime industry. Throughout the year, the Association maintained a broad and proactive agenda, focusing on knowledge sharing, professional development, and international representation.
Operating under the guiding principle “Our Course Is Knowledge,” the Association carried out a wide range of activities — from seminars and training programs to panel discussions, digital content production, university collaborations, and participation in global maritime events. These efforts reinforced the Association’s commitment to supporting both the sector and the wider maritime community.
Professional Development and Industry Support
During 2025, members benefited from a comprehensive series of educational activities, including bills of lading courses, ship chartering programs, and seminars focused on regulatory frameworks such as MRV, ETS, FuelEU, DCS, and CII. Training sessions on insurance compliance and various technical topics further contributed to members’ professional growth.
Through cooperation with FONASBA, weekly Baltic Freight Reports prepared by the Baltic Exchange were distributed to members on a regular basis. In addition, from April onwards, the Association introduced weekly dry bulk and general cargo market reports, providing members with consistent and reliable market intelligence.
The year also saw the continuation of the traditional Brokers’ Monday gatherings, which served as a valuable forum for exchanging views on current market developments and strengthening professional relationships within the sector.
National and International Representation
In 2025, the Turkish Shipbrokers Association maintained a visible presence at major maritime platforms, ensuring that Turkish shipbroking was represented at both national and international levels. Association representatives took part in events such as:
- Expomaritt Exposhipping Istanbul
- Piraeus Global Maritime Executives Symposium
- Bulgarian Maritime Summit
- IAOM Eurasia Conference & Expo
- Eisbeinessen Hamburg Shipbrokers’ Dinner
- BIMCO Board Meeting Reception
- FONASBA AGM 2025 (hosted jointly by three institutions)
- TİM General Assembly
- İzmir Logistech Exhibition
These engagements played a key role in increasing international awareness of the Turkish shipbroking community.
At the same time, the Association continued to strengthen ties with academia by participating in university graduation ceremonies, panels, and student workshops. Engaging with young maritime professionals remained a central pillar of the Association’s long-term vision.
Social Responsibility Initiatives
Social responsibility was one of the most prominent aspects of the Association’s activities in 2025. Key initiatives included:
- The establishment of the Turkish Shipbrokers Association Memorial Forest through the donation of 2,000 saplings in Erzincan Umurlu
- Provision of food assistance to 322 families affected by earthquakes
- Scholarship support for 41 female students, contributing to equal access to education
These projects reflected the Association’s commitment to social solidarity alongside its professional mission.
Digital Content and Media Outreach
In 2025, the Association launched a new YouTube content series titled “Talking About Maritime Markets.” Episodes released between June and September offered up-to-date market assessments aimed at both industry professionals and maritime students, expanding the Association’s digital presence and outreach.
Preparations for the 7th Bosphorus Shipbrokers Dinner
Throughout the year, the Association also focused on preparations for the 7th Bosphorus Shipbrokers Dinner, scheduled to take place in 2026. With the initiation of sponsorship processes, supporting companies began to play an important role in enhancing the international profile of Turkish shipbroking.
Stakeholder Engagement and Institutional Relations
During 2025, the Association maintained close contact with key stakeholders, including the IMEAK Chamber of Shipping, Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, Turkish Shipowners Association, and various non-governmental organizations. These interactions enabled constructive dialogue on professional matters, working conditions at sea, and broader sectoral expectations.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The Turkish Shipbrokers Association completed 2025 as a productive year in terms of both industry-focused activities and social responsibility projects. Supported by its members and the collective spirit of the maritime community, the Association’s initiatives contributed to strengthening the position of Turkish shipbroking on both national and international stages.
With the same determination, the Association aims to continue creating value for the sector, supporting professional development, and delivering socially beneficial projects throughout 2026.
Onur Türkeş is a businessperson and industry representative with extensive professional experience in maritime and ship brokerage. As a founding partner of one of Turkey's leading ship brokerage companies, he has actively worked with international shipowners, operators, charterers, and cargo owners in the dry cargo and tanker markets, developing a broad business network at both regional and global levels. Playing an active role in the Turkish maritime community, Türkeş serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Ship Brokers Association. In this capacity, he works to strengthen communication among industry stakeholders, uphold ethical and professional standards, increase cooperation with international institutions and federations, and institutionalize the ship brokerage profession in Turkey. Türkeş is well-versed in the dynamic structure of international ship chartering and freight markets and is experienced in market analysis and commercial strategy development. He is proficient in both English and Turkish.
