Strengthening Existing Relationships
For many participants, the fair serves as a vital hub for strengthening existing business relationships. Bedirhan Yüksel, Foreign Sales Specialist at Northcape Aries Co. (NCA), reflected on the importance of these interactions, describing the event as an excellent opportunity for reinforcing partnerships rather than simply initiating new ones. He noted that while the fair did provide opportunities to meet potential clients, it primarily allowed for deepening ties with established contacts. According to Yüksel, technology is playing an increasingly important role in the maritime sector, particularly in improving cargo tracking and the handling of large containerized shipments. "Technological advancements directly impact operational efficiency and cost reduction," he added.
Ertürk Kaygusuz, Sales and Pricing Specialist at GAP CLK Workwide, echoed similar sentiments regarding the fair's utility. While he observed a slight decrease in participation compared to previous years, Kaygusuz highlighted that the focus was still on networking and fostering long-term partnerships. "The maritime sector remains crucial due to its cost-effectiveness and global reach. It’s the most reliable mode of transport for many industries," he explained, emphasizing that businesses cannot afford to overlook maritime logistics in the face of rising demand and environmental considerations.
A Growing Preference for Sea Transport
Emirhan Kara, from Ulusoy, a well-established name in Turkish ro-ro shipping, pointed out a noticeable trend at the fair: a growing preference for sea transport over road freight, driven by changes in customs regulations. "Many companies are shifting to maritime logistics, which has led to an influx of interest in our services," he explained. The event provided Ulusoy with an opportunity to meet both new clients and familiar faces, confirming the growing importance of sea transport within the logistics landscape.
Promoting New Routes and Partnerships
Grimaldi Group, the world’s leading maritime company headquartered in Naples, was also one of the standout participants at the fair. Mehmet Hasağasıoğlu from Egekont, which represents Grimaldi Lines in Türkiye, described the fair as an invaluable experience. "We used the fair to promote our new Ambarlı-Trieste route and had many productive conversations with both existing and potential clients," he shared, noting that the fair offered them a chance to explore new business avenues with IT companies and logistics tech providers.
The fair also showcased a significant shift towards diversification in services. Batyr Charryev of MG Forwarding, which specializes in land, sea, and air transport, saw the event as a strong success. "We had a very productive time, meeting potential partners from key sectors," Charryev noted, emphasizing the company’s focus on Europe, Russia, and Central Asia. He added that the demand for integrated transport solutions has increased, with clients increasingly seeking efficient land and sea logistics options.
A special moment at the fair came from Lam Global World, which celebrated its 80th anniversary. Aziza Quliyeva, Sales Manager at the company’s Azerbaijan division, expressed her satisfaction with the event. "The fair allowed us to meet international guests and strengthen our relationships with clients. It’s a great platform for networking and expanding our customer base," she said, marking the occasion as both a business opportunity and a milestone for the company.
The 17th edition of Logitrans demonstrated how the maritime logistics industry continues to evolve through innovation and collaboration. As companies adapt to changing market conditions, fairs like Logitrans remain a key venue for exploring new technologies, fostering connections, and positioning for future growth in the global supply chain.