The Ship, Yacht, and Services Sector Unveils its Sustainability Action Plan
The "Sustainability Action Plan" of the Ship, Yacht, and Services sector was announced to the public during a promotional event held at the TİM Foreign Trade Complex.
Under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and the Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TİM), the sector's 'Sustainability Action Plan', prepared by the Association of Exporters of Ships, Yachts, and Services, was unveiled to the public at a promotional event held at the TİM Foreign Trade Complex. The event was attended by TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe, TİM Board Member Başaran Bayrak, GYHİB (Ship, Yacht, and Services Exporters' Association) Board Chairman Cem Seven, along with representatives from maritime civil society organizations. Following the opening remarks, GYHİB Consultant Prof. Dr. Mustafa İnsel delivered a presentation, providing attendees with detailed information about the action plan.
"By the year-end, action plans for all 27 of our sectors will be ready"
During the meeting, TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe emphasized that global production and trade are currently undergoing a significant transformative phase, highlighting that sustainable production and green transformation stand as pivotal drivers in this process. Gültepe underscored the urgent need for Türkiye to swiftly complete this green transformation in order to enhance its export capacity and competitive edge in international trade. Reminding that TİM took the initial step two years ago by unveiling its sustainability action plan, Gültepe stated, "Subsequently, our sectors commenced the formulation of their respective action plans. By year-end, action plans for all 27 of our sectors will be ready."
Gültepe, addressing the gathering, highlighted that in transportation operations, maritime shipping emerges as the least environmentally impactful option. He stated, "Hence, it is imperative for us to increasingly shift towards maritime transportation. Of course, on one hand, we must expedite our alignment with the Green Deal in this realm. This is because, within the framework of the Green Deal, emissions stemming from maritime transportation have also been encompassed within the EU Emission Trading System."
"The Turkish maritime industry is embarking on an entirely new course."
Highlighting the significance of the Ship, Yacht, and Services sector in Türkiye's exports, Gültepe offered the following assessment:
"We have constructed the world's largest floating factory fishing vessel. We are the leading exporter of fishing vessels globally. We pioneered the creation of the world's first remote-controlled ship and electric tugboat. Additionally, we have successfully produced the world's inaugural floating energy vessel. Currently, the Turkish maritime industry is charting an entirely novel course, and that course is sustainability. Through the process of green transformation, we aim to elevate our sector and further fortify our national identity as a trailblazer in shipbuilding."
"The aim is to sustain the international competitiveness of the ship and yacht construction sector."
Emphasizing the ship and yacht construction sector's pivotal role in generating economic growth and employment worldwide, GYHİB Chairman Cem Seven underscored, "Our sector carries a significant responsibility in terms of sustainability. Safeguarding our seas, natural resources, and environment is a crucial duty that assigns significant responsibilities to all stakeholders, ensuring a sustainable future."
Seven continued his remarks as follows: "Our country's shipyards build and export ships and yachts that are customized according to global standards for quality, economic efficiency, and customer demands. This sector's sustainability has been assessed in this report in terms of governance, social aspects, technology and innovation, economics and finance, as well as environmental impacts. A sustainability vision has been established, along with strategic objectives to support this vision. Action plans have been formulated to achieve these goals, and performance indices have been defined to measure progress. The aim of this action plan is to sustain the international competitiveness of the ship and yacht construction sector."
Following the opening speeches, the Association's Consultant Prof. Dr. Mustafa İnsel provided detailed information about the “Sustainability Action Plan” of the ship and yacht construction sector. He emphasized their goal to undergo a green transformation in the blue economy. İnsel clarified that economic, environmental, and social factors have been integrated within the governance framework of the action plan for the ship and yacht construction sector, along with the inclusion of technology and innovation.