Mersin Blue Economy Workshop: Strategies for the Future

Purpose The workshop, part of the Turkey‑EU Dialogue II (TEBD II) project and funded by the European Union, was organized by the Mersin Chamber of Maritime Trade (MDTO) under the title “Mersin Blue Economy Workshop: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Shipping.” Key Speakers Opening remarks were delivered by MDTO Secretary‑General Fuat Gedik and retired Admiral Cem Gürdeniz, who emphasized Mersin’s strategic position in the Eastern Mediterranean.
"The Turkish maritime geopolitical flagship in the Eastern Mediterranean is Mersin," said Admiral Gürdeniz, underscoring the city’s responsibility.
Blue Economy Vision Gedik described the blue economy as a new development model that merges economic growth with environmental sustainability.
He noted that Mersin’s geographic location, port facilities, and robust maritime sector position the city as a potential hub for the blue economy.
Infrastructure Needs Despite a strong shipbuilding industry and tourism infrastructure, Gürdeniz pointed out that passenger ship facilities are lacking.
He called for a large shipyard capable of servicing 100‑tonne tankers and repairing vessels damaged in crises, especially given rising geopolitical risks.
"We need a shipyard that can handle maintenance and repair for 100‑tonne tankers and provide emergency repair facilities for damaged ships during crises," Gürdeniz said.
Education and Collaboration The workshop highlighted MDTO’s partnership with the Mersin Maritime Trade Chamber Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School and Mersin University’s Maritime Faculty to strengthen maritime education and conduct environmental sustainability projects.
Outcomes The event progressed through sessions covering global and national blue economy perspectives, green transition, and sustainable shipping.
Interactive working groups produced action proposals and identified potential collaboration projects, aiming to reinforce Mersin’s role as a strategic actor in the blue economy.