Türk Loydu Participates in a Panel Shapıing the Future of Maritime at Safepassage Forum 2026
During the panel, which addressed key topics shaping the future of the maritime industry including maritime safety,
digital transformation, decarbonization, and autonomous ships Prof. Dr. Oral Erdoğan shared his insights on the evolving
role of classification societies and the future of maritime safety. The panel was also attended by Mustafa Zorlu,
Treasurer of the Türk Loydu Foundation, and Hüseyin Doğar, General Manager of Türk Loydu Conformity Assessment Services
Inc. In the opening of his speech, Prof. Dr. Oral Erdoğan highlighted the transformation of risk management in the
banking sector as an example, emphasizing that the maritime industry should adopt a similar approach: "The banking
sector has learned valuable lessons from past crises. Today, banking risks can be measured, monitored, and managed in
real time, allowing timely interventions when necessary. The same approach should be adopted in the maritime industry.
Identifying, measuring, continuously monitoring, and effectively managing all risks related to ships will form the
foundation for advancing maritime safety to higher levels. This objective can only be achieved through the joint efforts
of shipowners, operators, shipyards, classification societies, insurance companies, and maritime administrations." Prof.
Dr. Erdoğan also addressed the major challenges that classification societies are expected to face in the coming years,
noting that the industry's decarbonization and digitalization processes are rapidly transforming classification rules.
He emphasized that ensuring the safe implementation of alternative fuel systems, artificial intelligence-based software,
cybersecurity solutions, and carbon capture technologies has become one of the primary responsibilities of
classification societies. Highlighting that classification societies support innovation without compromising safety,
Prof. Dr. Erdoğan stated that these organizations are no longer merely rule-making bodies. Instead, they now conduct
risk assessments, perform engineering evaluations, and facilitate the safe implementation of emerging technologies
through simulations and pilot projects. Prof. Dr. Erdoğan also underscored the importance of cooperation with the
International Maritime Organization (IMO) and flag administrations, noting that classification societies contribute
their technical expertise to the development of international regulations. He added that they play an active role in
preparing new regulatory frameworks, particularly the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code. Looking ahead to
2030, Prof. Dr. Erdoğan identified alternative fuel systems, carbon capture technologies, artificial intelligence
applications, cybersecurity, and continuous condition monitoring systems as the technologies that will have the greatest
impact on classification rules. He explained that advances in sensor technologies, digital twins, remote surveys, and
data analytics are enabling the transition from traditional periodic inspections to continuous monitoring, significantly
enhancing maritime safety. Commenting on the development of autonomous and remotely operated ships, Prof. Dr. Erdoğan
stated that classification societies have adopted a comprehensive certification approach covering not only ships
themselves, but also remote control centers, communication infrastructure, software reliability, cybersecurity systems,
and emergency response scenarios. He emphasized that the safety level of these technologies should be at least
equivalent to, and preferably higher than, that of conventional ships. By actively participating in international
platforms, Türk Loydu continues to contribute to the maritime sector's safe, sustainable, and technological
transformation while creating value on a global scale through its technical expertise and extensive industry knowledge.
