A Cooperation Protocol in the Field of Sea and Maritime Law was signed on July 2, 2026, between the Ankara University National Center for the Sea and Maritime Law (DEHUKAM) and the Port Operators Association of Türkiye (TÜRKLİM). Signed by Hamdi Erçelik, Chair of the Board of the Port Operators Association of Türkiye, and by Süleyman Önel, Chair of the Board of Directors of DEHUKAM, and Dr. Mustafa Başkara, CEO of DEHUKAM, this cooperation protocol marks a significant step forward for future projects and activities to be jointly conducted by the two institutions.

Sharing his assessments during the signing ceremony, Süleyman Önel, DEHUKAM Chair of the Board of Directors, stated that since its establishment, DEHUKAM has adopted bridging academic knowledge production with the needs of the sector as one of its core objectives. Emphasizing that the protocol signed with TÜRKLİM will pave the way for developing joint projects across numerous areas, particularly in education, research, legislative studies, and international collaborations, Önel noted that this strong cooperation would make significant contributions to Türkiye’s maritime policies, the Blue Homeland vision, and the sustainable development of the maritime sector.

TÜRKLİM Chair of the Board Hamdi Erçelik highlighted that the cooperation initiated with DEHUKAM would establish a permanent and effective foundation for collaboration among the industry, academia, and public institutions. Erçelik further expressed that DEHUKAM’s umbrella role among organizations is of paramount importance for strengthening institutional coordination in sea and maritime law and the maritime sector.

We hope that this collaboration established between DEHUKAM and TÜRKLİM will make substantial contributions to reinforcing Türkiye’s maritime vision, developing the legal and institutional capacity of the port management sector, bridging academic studies in maritime law with practical application, and enhancing the sector’s international competitiveness.