Bursa Technical University (BTU) is launching the “Blue Port Index” project, which will evaluate the ports of Black Sea Economic Cooperation countries in terms of sustainability. This international project, led by BTU, aims to contribute to the blue economy by comparing ports from different Black Sea countries according to green transformation, digitalization, and infrastructure criteria. The project’s outcomes will provide scientific foundations that will guide maritime policies.

Bursa Technical University (BTU) is taking a significant step towards maritime sustainability in the Black Sea region. The university is implementing the “Blue Port Index for BSEC Countries” project, approved by the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC). This project is the first project from Turkey to be accepted within the scope of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.

The project is led by Prof. Dr. Gökçe Çiçek Ceyhun, a faculty member at the Faculty of Maritime Studies, and its team includes Prof. Dr. Hilal Yıldırır Keser, Dr. Member Oya Güler and Lecturer Melis Ece Özyiğit. International partners include Burgas Free University, Bulgaria, and the Georgian Tourism Institute.

Objective: Contributing to the blue economy
The main objective of the project is to evaluate Black Sea ports in terms of criteria such as environmental sustainability, digitalization, infrastructure adequacy, and green transformation, and to create a “Blue Port Index” based on this data. This index will both support regional development and provide a scientific basis for sustainable maritime policies.

The studies will include a comparative analysis of ports selected from three different countries. These analyses will demonstrate the potential contribution of Black Sea ports to the blue economy with concrete data.

Support and congratulations from the Rector
BTU Rector Prof. Dr. Naci Çağlar expressed his pride in the project being the first BSEC project accepted from Turkey, saying:

“This pioneering project will contribute to sustainable maritime development and the blue economy on an international scale. I congratulate all the academics who contributed and believe that this success will contribute to our university’s scientific productivity and international visibility.”
This active role BTÜ plays in international projects demonstrates that the university is not only leading academics but also regional strategic development.