The Special Assembly Meeting of the Istanbul and Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean, and Black Sea Regions (İMEAK) Turkish Chamber of Shipping (DTO) took place on Friday, October 31, 2025, with the participation of the Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, Murat Kurum.

The meeting was held at the Chamber Assembly Hall under the chairmanship of Assembly Vice President Emin Eminoğlu. In his opening remarks, Turkish Chamber Of Shipping Chairman Tamer Kıran provided information about the Turkish maritime sector.

Kıran noted that after the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change is the ministry with which the maritime sector interacts most frequently. He emphasized that sector-administration collaboration continues at the highest level and highlighted the ongoing projects with the Ministry.

As part of these efforts, Kıran stated that on August 1, a protocol was signed between the Turkish Chamber of Shipping, the Directorate General for the Protection of Natural Assets, Piri Reis University, and GİSBİR regarding the “Preparation of a Feasibility Report for Determining Coastal Boat Manufacturing and Haul-Out Areas, Mooring and Shelter Locations, and the Mapping and Numbering of Buoys, and the Establishment of Such Systems.” According to the protocol, a feasibility report will identify suitable areas along the Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean coasts for boat manufacturing and haul-out areas, mooring and shelter locations, and the establishment of buoy systems. Kıran added that the work has already started and continues.

Kıran also shared the positive news that efforts to lease 20 piers in Istanbul, actively used by our members, to the Chamber and allow their use by members, in order to prevent ongoing rental issues, have reached their final stage. He expressed his gratitude to Minister Murat Kurum and the Director General of the Protection of Natural Assets for their constructive approach.

Regarding the important issue of the Maritime Waste Implementation Circular (DAU), Kıran stated that the Chamber’s requests are being considered in ongoing work to resolve related problems, and he again thanked Minister Kurum and the Director General of Environmental Management for their support.

Furthermore, Kıran informed Minister Murat Kurum about sector-related issues with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, including problems arising after the designation of the Marmara Sea and the Islands as a “Special Environmental Protection Area.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, Tamer Kıran presented Minister Murat Kurum with a ship model as a gift.