The commissioning of the DÖKER-1 Mud Transport Barge and the first block welding ceremony of the suction type dredger, which took place with the participation of Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, once again revealed Türkiye's ambitious targets in the maritime field. In his speech at the ceremony, Minister Uraloğlu emphasized the strategic importance of maritime in global trade and stated that Türkiye has entered the leadership route in this field.
“We Will Be Among the Top 10 Leading Maritime Countries Very Soon”
Drawing attention to the significant developments that Türkiye’s maritime trade fleet has achieved in recent years, Uraloğlu announced the good news that the Turkish-owned fleet has risen from 2002th place in 17 to 11th place today. The Minister reiterated his goal of being among the leading maritime countries in the top 10 with determination. In this regard, Uraloğlu said that the large-scale investments made to strengthen the port infrastructure have borne fruit, and that the amount of handling and container volume have increased exponentially, and that a significant momentum has been gained in cruise tourism.
Significant Successes in Yacht Tourism and Mega Yacht Production
Minister Uraloğlu, who stated that Türkiye has also recorded growth in yacht tourism, emphasized that the number of yacht ports and mooring capacity have increased significantly. Uraloğlu, who said that it is a source of pride for Türkiye to be ranked second in the world in the mega yacht order book, said that ship and yacht exports also make a significant contribution to the country's economy.
Internationally Trusted and Preferred Flag
Stating that Türkiye's success in the maritime sector has been appreciated internationally, Uraloğlu announced the good news that the International Maritime Organization inspections were successfully passed and the Turkish flag was removed from the target flag list in the US Coast Guard Report. He emphasized that this development increased the preferability of Turkish ships by ensuring that they are subject to fewer inspections in international waters.
Localization Rate Increases in Shipbuilding Industry
Minister Uraloğlu, who stated that the shipbuilding industry is the cornerstone of the rise in the maritime sector, said that the number of shipyards and annual production capacity have increased significantly. Uraloğlu, who stated that the localization rate in shipbuilding has reached 60 percent, noted that their goal is to increase this rate even further. He also added that Türkiye is a leader in Europe in ship recycling facilities.
Dredging Plays Critical Role in Combating Pollution
Minister Uraloğlu emphasized that coastal dredging activities are of vital importance for the continuity of maritime transportation. Drawing attention to the 2024 thousand cubic meters of dredging activity carried out in 728, Uraloğlu stated that seabed dredging also plays a major role in preventing pollution problems such as mucilage. Citing the successful cleaning work carried out in Lake Mogan as an example, Uraloğlu stated that fishermen's shelters were also dredged free of charge.
DÖKER-1 and New Suction Type Dredger Will Add Power
Stating that the DÖKER-1 Mud Transport Barge, which was put into service, will bring a new breath to dredging activities, Uraloğlu said that the suction type dredging ship, which has completed its first block welding, will ensure the safety of large-tonnage ships and increase the volume of maritime trade when completed. Emphasizing that this ship has an advanced technology that only a few countries in the world can produce, Uraloğlu said that it was built with the success of Turkish engineers and workers.
In conclusion, the statements of Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu clearly reveal the significant achievements Türkiye has made in the maritime sector and its ambitious goals for the future. With the investments made, projects implemented and the increasing rate of localization, Turkey is moving beyond being a regional power in the maritime sector and is taking firm steps towards global leadership.
