The opening meeting of the “Blue Port Index for Black Sea Countries” project, led by BTÜ, took place. The project, accepted by the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) under Turkey’s (BTÜ) coordination as the first project of its kind, will support the sustainability of regional ports and promote responsible maritime practices.

The opening meeting of the “Blue Port Index for Black Sea Countries (Blue Port Index For BSEC Countries)” project, held at the Turquoise Hall of the Mimar Sinan Campus, was attended by the Deputy Secretary General of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, Ambassador Merve Kavakçı, BTÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Naci Çağlar, Yıldırım Mayor Oktay Yılmaz, project partners, academics, and students. Speaking at the opening meeting, Ambassador Merve Kavakçı provided information about the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, noting that the project development fund activity supports studies in areas such as science, technology, environmental protection, energy, and agriculture. Kavakçı stated that the support of the “Blue Port Index for Black Sea Countries” project, presented by Bursa Technical University, by BSEC is important for them, and that this work will make a significant contribution to Black Sea ports.

Ambassador Merve Kavakçı: Sustainability Will Be Promoted Through This Project

Kavakçı stated that, within the scope of the project led by BTÜ, three ports from Turkey, Bulgaria, and Georgia were selected. “Through this study, it is aimed to promote sustainable transportation systems, strengthen policies that respond to economic, social, and environmental needs, and increase the integration of environmental aspects into transportation processes. Decarbonizing transportation in the BSEC region, reducing emissions, and expanding the use of alternative fuels are among our priorities. Therefore, this project is of great importance for our updated economic agenda,” she said. Ambassador Kavakçı concluded her speech by providing detailed information about the project.

Rector Çağlar: Our Project Will Lay an Important Ground for the Black Sea Basin

BTÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Naci Çağlar stated that the “Blue Port Index for Black Sea Countries” project will make a significant contribution to BTÜ’s brand value. Rector Çağlar reminded that the study led by BTÜ is the first and only project supported by the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation in Turkey. “Our project aims to increase ports’ contribution to the blue economy and promote more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible maritime practices through the Blue Port Index we will develop. We believe that our international collaborative project will lay an important ground for more competitive and sustainable ports in the Black Sea basin,” he said.

It Will Make a Major Contribution to Black Sea Ports

Yıldırım Mayor Oktay Yılmaz stated that the project will make a major contribution to Bursa, BTÜ, and Black Sea countries. Project Coordinator Prof. Dr. Gökçe Çiçek Ceyhun expressed her pride in being part of Turkey’s first project accepted by BSEC and provided information about the work. Dean of BTÜ Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and Erasmus Coordinator Prof. Dr. Hilal Yıldırır Keser shared information about BTÜ’s international projects with the participants. Rector of Burgas Free University Prof. Dr. Milen Baltov spoke about the importance of the project and the international partnership. Director of the Tourism Institute of Georgia Mamuka Berdansvili stated that the project is very valuable for the Black Sea.

What Does the Project Aim For?

The project aims to increase ports’ contribution to the blue economy and promote sustainable maritime practices with the Blue Port Index (BPI). The study aims to compare three ports from Turkey, Bulgaria, and Georgia, representing Black Sea ports, in terms of various criteria such as environmental sustainability, infrastructure, and digitalization. Based on the data obtained, a scientific foundation will be established for policy recommendations that support regional development and strengthen cooperation in the maritime field. The project, led by BTÜ, will contribute to regional maritime strategies.

International Collaborative Project

International partners of the project, coordinated by Bursa Technical University, include Burgas Free University in Bulgaria and the Tourism Institute of Georgia. The coordination of the project is undertaken by Prof. Dr. Gökçe Çiçek Ceyhun, Faculty Member at BTÜ Faculty of Maritime Studies, Department of Maritime Business Management. The project team includes faculty members Prof. Dr. Hilal Yıldırır Keser and Prof. Dr. Oğuz Başol, Project Support Office Coordinator Dr. Oya Güler, and Project Support Office Lecturer Melis Ece Özyiğit.