In the ever-evolving world of maritime trade, Türkiye’s merchant fleet performance has been under the microscope, and a recent study from Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University has shed some light on the matter. Lead by Maruf Gögebakan, the study, published in the ‘Journal of Advanced Research in Natural and Applied Sciences’, dives deep into the performance of Türkiye’s merchant fleet, highlighting key indicators that could shape the future of the country’s maritime sector.
The study, which spans from 2011 to 2023, focuses on three main indicators: the mean age of vessels, total carrying capacity in dead weight tons, and the number of ships. Using a combination of the CRITIC and TOPSIS methods, the researchers found that the mean age of vessels was the most significant indicator, carrying the highest importance weight. In simpler terms, the age of the ships in Türkiye’s fleet is a critical factor in determining its overall performance.
The findings reveal an interesting trend: Türkiye’s fleet performance improved between 2011 and 2013, but then took a downturn from 2013 onwards. There was a notable shift in 2016 across all three indicators, suggesting a pivotal year for the fleet’s performance. According to the study, “The analysis indicates an improvement in Türkiye’s fleet performance between 2011 and 2013, followed by a subsequent decline from 2013 onwards. Notably, there is a significant shift observed in 2016 across all three indicators.” This could be a wake-up call for maritime stakeholders to reassess their strategies and investments.
So, what does this mean for the maritime industry? Well, for starters, it’s a clear sign that Türkiye needs to focus on acquiring younger, high-capacity vessels to enhance its fleet performance. This could open up opportunities for shipbuilders and investors looking to capitalize on the demand for new vessels. Additionally, the study suggests that optimizing maritime trade capability could help Türkiye maintain its competitiveness in the global shipping industry. This could be a game-changer for maritime sectors, encouraging innovation and investment in Türkiye’s maritime infrastructure.
The study also underscores the importance of data-driven decision-making in the maritime industry. By leveraging advanced analytical methods like CRITIC and TOPSIS, stakeholders can gain valuable insights into fleet performance and make informed decisions. This could lead to a more efficient and competitive maritime sector, benefiting both Türkiye and the global shipping industry.
Maruf Gögebakan, the lead author of the study, points out, “Given Türkiye’s aging fleet, the study suggests a focus on acquiring young and high-capacity vessels to enhance fleet performance. This strategic approach can help Türkiye optimize its maritime trade capability and maintain competitiveness in the global shipping industry.”