The International Panel on Maritime Decarbonization was organized as part of the 100th Anniversary of the Establishment of Türkiye-Japan Diplomatic Relations. Held in collaboration with Ankara University’s Asia-Pacific Studies Application and Research Center (APAM), DEHUKAM, and the Embassy of Japan, the panel took place at Ankara University Faculty of Law Mahmut Esat Bozkurt Hall on Friday, March 15th.

The inaugural addresses were presented by Mr. Ünal Baylan, the Director-General for Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Türkiye, Prof. Dr. Necdet Ünüvar, the Rector of Ankara University, and His Excellency Takahiko Katsumata, the Ambassador of Japan to Ankara. During the panel, Mr. Masanori Kobayasahi gave a speech titled “Decarbonizing the Maritime Sector and the Applicability of Renewable Energy,” addressing the challenges of promoting ocean-based renewable energy and maritime transportation in Pacific island countries. Additionally, Associate Professor Dr. Levent Bilgili delivered a presentation titled “IMO’s Decarbonization Struggle from Past to Present in Life Cycle Perspective” discussing the importance of life cycle analysis by reflecting on the International Maritime Organization’s efforts in decarbonization and combating global warming over time.

We extend our gratitude to all participants who attended the event, which addressed significant issues in the maritime industry, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Türkiye-Japan diplomatic relations.