Shipping

RINA Unites Maritime Leaders in Istanbul

The Turkish office of the Italian classification organization RINA held a reception yesterday at the Rahmi Koç Museum in Istanbul. Taking place the day after the 101st anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye on October 29, the event brought together maritime industry professionals and decision-makers to celebrate the growth of RINA's operations in Türkiye and its collaborations within the sector.

During the event, Giosue' Vezzuto, RINA's Deputy General Manager, and Özge Ersoz Gümüşkaynak, Commercial Director for RINA Middle East, Turkey, and the Caspian region, addressed attendees with remarks that highlighted RINA's significant expansion in Türkiye and its future plans.

In addition to her speech at the event, Gümüşkaynak addressed the press, emphasizing the significance of holding the event just one day after the anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye:

“We are thrilled to hold this event just after the Republic’s 101st anniversary, aiming to extend the spirit of celebration. As a woman of the Republic, I am proud to see Türkiye at this point,” she shared.

Türkiye’s Strategic Importance for RINA

Gümüşkaynak emphasized RINA's pivotal role in Türkiye’s maritime sector, noting that Türkiye has become one of RINA’s fastest-growing regions. This year’s event saw around 300 guests, underscoring the strong network and collaborative spirit within RINA's community.

"Our Turkish office is one of RINA’s largest and most integrated facilities globally, covering everything from ship production to certification services," Gümüşkaynak continued. “Moreover, there are new trends and regulations, including decarbonization and digitalization. We work with a team that prioritizes these aspects, focusing on providing the best service possible to the Turkish maritime sector."

Gümüşkaynak emphasized RINA's determination to expand its services in Türkiye, stating, "We are very pleased to be with our growing clients and partners with each passing day and every new organization. We will continue to provide them with the best service possible. We will grow with them, and they will grow with us. We have great confidence in this regard and believe that we will always do our best."

Insights on Regional Competition and Future Outlook

She also addressed the competitive landscape in maritime repair and maintenance, as Türkiye faces increased competition from shipyards in Greece and Romania. Despite economic challenges, Gümüşkaynak expressed confidence in Türkiye’s strong infrastructure, skilled workforce, and significant project portfolio.

“I do not believe that Türkiye will lose its leadership in this regard in the near future. There is a significant infrastructure, a substantial business volume, and a highly skilled workforce here. While there may be a few individual project losses, I think that in the long term and from a global perspective, Türkiye will maintain its leadership,” she stated.