Project at ITU Contributing to Safety and Sustainability Standards in Türkiye’s Maritime Sector

An important research project is being conducted at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Faculty of Maritime, supported by the Lloyd's Register Foundation, under the scope of the “Ship Recycling Risk Framework for Türkiye's Safe & Sustainable Approach” project.

The project is being carried out under the leadership of Dr. Esma Uflaz, faculty member at ITU Faculty of Maritime, with the consultancy of Dean Prof. Dr. Özcan Arslan and the participation of doctoral student Research Assistant Emine Güneş. The project will be implemented between September 2025 and August 2026. A significant international partnership strengthening the global dimension of the Ship Recycling Risk Framework for Türkiye's Safe & Sustainable Approach has been established with Dr. Sefer Anıl Günbeyaz from the Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering at the University of Strathclyde.

Objectives and goals of the Project

The project aims to systematically analyze the risks related to occupational safety, environmental impact, and resource efficiency encountered in ship recycling activities in Türkiye’s Aliağa region.

The importance of the study becomes even more evident during the implementation process of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. The project aims to develop a risk management model that will enable Türkiye to play a leading role in this transformation process.

Expected outcomes include a sustainable approach model that enhances worker safety and reduces environmental impacts. This model will offer an applicable framework not only for Aliağa but also for other regions with similar risk profiles. Aligned with Lloyd's Register Foundation’s vision of “enhancing safety worldwide,” the project will elevate Türkiye’s safety and sustainability standards in the maritime sector to international norms.