Strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Istanbul provides a natural meeting point for shipbuilders, shipowners, equipment manufacturers, and technology providers. With approximately 7,000 maritime professionals expected to attend, Europort Istanbul offers a platform for international business development, knowledge exchange, and cross-border cooperation.
“The maritime industry is facing shared challenges, from decarbonization and digitalization to a need for stronger international supply chains. No single market can address these challenges alone,” said Raymond Siliakus, Director of Europort. “Europort Istanbul connects the people, technologies and expertise our industry needs to move forward.”
BlueBridge Maritime Istanbul Forum: Turning Innovation into Practical Solutions
New for Europort Istanbul 2026, the BlueBridge Maritime Istanbul Forum will take place on November 4 and 5. The two-day conference will bring together technology providers, shipyards, shipowners, and industry specialists to address some of the maritime industry’s most pressing operational and technological challenges.
The program will focus on how emerging technologies can be translated into measurable improvements in efficiency, safety, and environmental performance.
BlueBridge sessions will include Fuelling the Transition: Alternative Fuels, Bunkering & Practical Pathways to Decarbonisation, and AI & Predictive Maintenance, with key presentations focusing on smarter measurement, energy efficiency, voyage optimization, automation, and cybersecurity. The forum will also examine the global position of Turkish shipyards, including their technological competitiveness and readiness for the industry’s transition towards more sustainable and digitally connected operations.
“With the introduction of the BlueBridge Forum, we’re creating a highly focused opportunity for those joining us in Istanbul to turn knowledge and new connections into real progress,” adds Siliakus. “By focusing on real-world applications rather than future ambitions alone, our aim is to connect innovation with the operational needs of maritime businesses.”
International Pavilions Strengthen Global Maritime Connections
Europort Istanbul 2026 brings together a truly international maritime community. Alongside strong participation from the Turkish maritime industry, the 2026 edition will welcome 64 individual international organizations, as well as national pavilions from the Netherlands, China, and Poland.
For the first time, an Africa Pavilion will join the event, with Douala City Council from Cameroon among the confirmed exhibitors. Ms. Beti Assomo Reine, Technical Adviser No. 2 at Cameroon’s National Port Authority, will also contribute to the conference program, bringing valuable perspectives from Cameroon’s maritime sector.
Together, these companies and pavilions make Europort Istanbul a place to meet new suppliers, discover international expertise, and build connections across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Connecting International Expertise with Türkiye’s Shipbuilding Industry
With growing demand for energy-efficient vessels, modernization projects, and advanced marine technologies, Europort Istanbul also creates opportunities for cooperation between Turkish shipyards and international suppliers. As home to more than 85 active shipyards, Türkiye has developed a strong reputation in ship construction, repair, conversion, and specialized vessel development.
Building Partnerships Beyond the Exhibition Floor
Alongside the exhibition and conference program, Europort Istanbul will provide opportunities for targeted business networking.
The MariMatch B2B matchmaking event, taking place on November 5, will facilitate meetings between Turkish and international companies interested in developing new business relationships, technology partnerships, and collaborative projects. An additional online matchmaking day on November 12 will allow participants to continue conversations beyond the exhibition.
By combining an international exhibition floor with a comprehensive knowledge-based program and structured business networking, Europort Istanbul 2026 aims to strengthen connections across the global maritime value chain.
For more information on Europort Istanbul 2026, visit: www.europort.com.tr.
