The maritime sector is witnessing remarkable developments in sustainability, technological innovations, and infrastructure investments both in Turkey and globally throughout 2025. Here is a detailed review based on official and internationally trusted sources:
Updates from Turkey’s Maritime Sector
1. Major Investments in Port Infrastructure
According to the 2024 investment program of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, a total of 2,667 projects are ongoing across Turkey with an allocated budget of 2.295 trillion Turkish Lira. A significant portion of these projects focuses on enhancing port infrastructure, particularly in the Marmara and Aegean regions [1].
2. Progress in Green Port Projects
The number of facilities awarded the Green Port Certification promoting eco-friendly practices has surpassed 20. According to the 2024 Activity Report by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, renewable energy usage and waste management systems are being increasingly adopted in port operations [2].
3. Turkish Shipowners’ Investment in LNG-Fueled Vessels
Turkish shipowners are increasing their investments in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) fueled vessels. According to the expert evaluation report by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, the use of LNG is crucial for reducing sulfur and carbon emissions, ensuring compliance with international environmental regulations [3].
Global Maritime Sector Highlights
1. IMO’s Net Zero Emission Target
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved new regulations aiming for zero greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime sector by 2050. Updates to MARPOL Annex VI will apply to all international ships [4].
2. Advances in Autonomous Ship Technologies
Supported by countries like Japan and Norway, the IMO-led projects have initiated open sea testing for fully autonomous ship prototypes in 2025. These AI-driven technologies are set to revolutionize safety and efficiency in maritime operations [4].
3. Global Green Port Investments
According to the World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP) report, as of 2025, about 48% of ports worldwide have invested in projects to reduce their carbon footprint. Key areas include solar energy usage, waste management systems, and electrification of port equipment [5].
Conclusion
The year 2025 marks a major leap in the maritime sector regarding environmental awareness, innovative technologies, and infrastructure strengthening.
Turkey is aligning with global standards through port investments and eco-friendly ship initiatives, while worldwide efforts led by the IMO are driving the maritime industry toward a greener and more efficient future.
References
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Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Türkiye, “2,667 Projects, 2.295 Trillion Turkish Lira Investment”, https://sgb.uab.gov.tr/haberler/2-bin-667-proje-2-trilyon-295-milyar-lira-yatirim
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Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Türkiye, “2024 Activity Report”, https://www.uab.gov.tr/uploads/pages/stratejik-yonetim/2024-yili-uab-faaliyet-raporu.pdf
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Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of Türkiye, “Maritime Transportation and Logistics Expert Evaluation Report”, https://webdosya.csb.gov.tr/db/mpgm/icerikler/deniz-ulasimi-tasimaciligi-ve-lojistik-uzman-degerlendirme-raporu-20230324150206.pdf
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International Maritime Organization (IMO), “IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions”, https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/pages/IMO-approves-netzero-regulations.aspx
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World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP), “World Ports Sustainability Report 2025”, https://sustainableworldports.org
