The “International Symposium on the Legal Regime of Ports”, organized by the Ankara University National Center for the Sea and Maritime Law (DEHUKAM) in cooperation with the Mersin Chamber of Shipping and with the support of Mersin International Port, was held in Mersin on 3–4 September 2026.
The Symposium brought together academics, representatives of public institutions and international organizations, diplomatic missions, and representatives of the maritime and port sectors to examine the legal status of ports under national and international law, current legal challenges, and emerging developments concerning the future of ports from diverse disciplinary perspectives.
Over the course of the two-day Symposium, eight panels addressed a broad range of topics, including:
• Maritime connectivity and port diplomacy,
• The legal regime of ports,
• Leadership in port management,
• Port State Control, maritime safety and security,
• The future of global maritime transport,
• Legal implications of smart ports,
• Port State jurisdiction and the importance of regional cooperation,
• Green ports and the protection of the marine environment.
At the opening session, Erdal Tonguç delivered remarks on behalf of Mersin International Port, Bedii Canatan on behalf of the Mersin Chamber of Shipping, and Süleyman Önel, Chair of the DEHUKAM Board of Directors. A keynote address was delivered by İsmet Yılmaz, the 26th Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. Following the opening remarks, the Symposium program continued with the panel entitled “Maritime Connectivity and Port Diplomacy,” featuring the participation of the Ambassadors of Singapore and Malaysia to Ankara and the Consul General of Panama in Istanbul, and moderated by Ambassador Suat Hayri Aka.
With contributions from academics, public officials, diplomatic representatives, and industry professionals from over 20 different countries, the Symposium provided an important platform for addressing contemporary issues in port law from an international and multidisciplinary perspective, while strengthening the exchange of knowledge and experience among the public sector, academia, and the private sector.
The discussions highlighted the importance of reassessing the legal regime of ports in the evolving maritime order of the 21st century, taking into account technological, economic, environmental, and geopolitical transformations.
Following the Symposium, a technical visit to Mersin International Port was conducted on 5 September 2026, providing an opportunity to observe port operations and practices on site.
DEHUKAM extends its sincere thanks to all speakers, partner institutions and organizations, and valued participants for their valuable contributions to the Symposium.
