9th Mare Forum Istanbul 2025

The eight previous Mare Forum Istanbul conferences have been full of ideas and dynamic debate. The high-level audience, consisting of leading executives from the shipping industry, appreciates and makes the most of the dynamic format and honest debate.

The conference will be held in an open, daring, and stimulating environment, with transparent discussions. Executives will actively participate in discussing, debating, and exchanging their thoughts, ideas, visions, and roles in (green)shipping, energy transition, energy security, decarbonisation, financing, and investing models for today and the future.

The conference will also discuss how the Turkish maritime cluster can design its bright maritime future and what the perspectives of Shipowners and Shipbuilders are.  

At Mare Forum conferences, there are no boring company presentations or long, predictable speeches; instead, the panellists and audience participants engage in dynamic, lively discussions.

The participants include shipping executives, ship owners, ship managers, shipbuilders, charterers, traders, logistics providers, capital providers, investors, energy executives, regulators, maritime lawyers, consultants, classification societies, the press, shipping service providers, and innovative entrepreneurs.‍

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If you are in the shipping business and are interested in doing business in Türkiye, be there.

P R O G R A M M E

[The list the speakers and panellists will be published soon - stay tuned]

12:00
Registration and Networking 



13:10
Session 1


Opening and Welcome



- Introduction by the Conference Organizers
and Conference Chairman 


- Setting the scene


- Keynote speech



13:40
Session 2


Global Uncertainty - Nothing is a given and certainly not predictable.  Where to invest your money today?


The global maritime landscape is evolving rapidly, shaped by shifting geopolitical dynamics, including tensions in Russia/Ukraine, China, the Middle East, Europe, and the USA.

- The position and role Turkey plays in this multipolar world 

- Key factors such as the balance between regionalisation and globalization, the energy transition and security concerns, changing trade patterns, and supply chain disruptions are redefining the industry.

- Will the European actions to increase iets maritime competitiveness vs. to Asia, the USA (and the rest of the World) affect Turkey positively?
- How to Identify & Manage Trade Sanction Risks in the Maritime Sector

- Where to invest your money today? Smart ideas are needed.  How to make Profitable Investments in an Unpredictable Future

- The Views of analysts, brokers, owners, charterers, and investors.

- The Shipping and Trade Markets forecasts, Supply and Demand, unpredictable events: Containers, dry bulk, oil and gas, commodities 




SESSION CHAIRMAN:


DISCUSSION PANELLISTS:

14:20

Session 3


The Maritime Energy Transition: Are we progressing, or are we taking one step ahead and two steps backwards?



A critical look at the journey towards energy sustainability in shipping.

- Energy Production Outlook: Current trends and forecasts


- Alternative Fuels and Propulsion systems: Debunking myths and examining production capacities and infrastructure.


- Preparing for Change: Assessing readiness for retrofits and the capacity of repair yards.


- Port Infrastructure Needs: Identifying essential upgrades and action plans.


- Accelerating Transformation: The role of industry-wide initiatives like green corridors etc


- Immediate Actions:  What can we do now to help accelerate the availability of zero-carbon ships while at the same time reducing shipping’s footprint: slow steaming, retrofits, ESG reporting, and verification


- Innovations and Realities: New technologies and successful decarbonisation practises

- Navigating Regulations: How can the shipping and trading industry be proactive and create Proactive approaches to international, regional, and local regulations?


- Green Agenda Evolution: Assessing the progress and incentives needed for quality shipping and the ESG agenda.


- Maritime regulations that will shape the industry in 2025!
- Competitiveness: How does Green Maritime Türkiye remain competitive?
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SESSION CHAIRMAN:


DISCUSSION PANELLISTS:
 
15:10

Networking Break

15:40

Session 4


Pioneering the Future of the Turkish Shipbuilding Industry

Topics for Discussion
- Global Positioning: What is the current position of the Turkish shipbuilding industry in the global market? What is the order book and speculative shipbuilding?
- Competitiveness: How can Turkey maintain and enhance its competitive edge against European, Asian, and U.S. rivals? What are the key challenges and opportunities in this effort?
- Specialized and Eco-Friendly Vessels: Can Turkey sustain its role as a leading destination for building specialized and eco-friendly vessels?
- European Short-Sea Shipping: What role can Turkish shipbuilders play in facilitating the construction of European short-sea ships?
- Financing and Investment: What strategies are essential to attract and secure financing and investments for Turkish shipbuilding?
- Technological Advancements and Productivity:How can the industry boost productivity through modern technology, advanced manufacturing techniques, and innovative management practices?
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How can the industry react to recent challenges with rising labour costs and inflation may impact this advantage in the future
- Strategic Alliances: Are there emerging trends in acquisitions and strategic partnerships between Turkish, European, Asian, and U.S. shipyards?
- Leadership Perspectives: What are the insights and strategies of Turkish executives, owners, and managers regarding the future of the industry?

SESSION CHAIRMAN:


DISCUSSION PANELLISTS:
 
16:30

Session 5


The Turkish Shipowner's Views on Fleet Growth and Future Strategies

Topics for Discussion
- Order Book and Fleet Growth Trends: 
What is the current size of the Turkish-owned fleet, and how has it grown in recent years? What are the new ship orders placed by Turkish shipowners? How do these trends compare to global shipping industry growth rates?
- Competitive Advantages in the Global Market: 
What unique strengths do Turkish shipping companies possess in the international arena? How does Turkey's strategic geographic location benefit its shipping industry? In what specific vessel types or market segments do Turkish companies excel?
- Fleet Modernization and Technological Innovation: 
What innovative technologies are Turkish shipowners adopting to enhance efficiency? How are these innovations helping to reduce operational costs? Can you share examples of how service quality has improved through modernization efforts?
- Sustainability and Adaptation to Future Trends: 
How is the Turkish shipping industry addressing environmental concerns and regulations? What initiatives are in place to reduce the carbon footprint of Turkish-owned vessels? How are Turkish shipowners preparing for potential future maritime regulations?
- Turkey's Ambition as a Major Logistics Hub: 
What role can the shipping industry play in supporting Turkey's logistics hub aspirations? How are shipowners collaborating with port authorities and other stakeholders to enhance Turkey's maritime infrastructure?  What challenges need to be overcome to realize this ambition?
-  Government Support for Global Competitiveness: 
What specific forms of government support would be most beneficial to the industry? How can regulatory frameworks be improved to enhance the sector's competitiveness? Are there any successful models from other countries that Turkey could emulate?
- Strategies for a Bright Future: 
What long-term strategies are Turkish shipowners pursuing to ensure continued growth and success? How are shipowners balancing fleet expansion with market volatility and global economic uncertainties? What emerging markets or shipping segments are Turkish owners targeting for future growth?
 
SESSION CHAIRMAN:


DISCUSSION PANELLISTS:
 
17:30
Session 6



Final Thoughts Conclusions and Recommendations



- General discussion with all conference participants
- Conference Organizers
and Conference Chairman

18:00

Networking Reception