İTÜ E-Bülten

ITU Maritime Faculty Dean’s Foreword for 2025

As the ITU Maritime Faculty, we take great pride in entering 2025 with strong academic achievements, increasing student preference rates, and a solid institutional structure, as our faculty ranks among the leading units of the university in publication output and research projects, hosts numerous national and international events, and is represented by four faculty members on Stanford University’s list of the world’s most influential scientists. As a clear indicator of educational quality, the entrance ranking positions of our departments have improved significantly, and after a long period, our faculty has once again begun admitting students from the top 10,000. Education has commenced in the Denizatı Education Building through the valuable contributions of industry partners and alumni, and we extend our sincere thanks to all donors, particularly Aras Marine Investment Holding. In the coming period, a donation protocol has been signed with Beşiktaş Shipping Company for the establishment of modern laboratories and workshop facilities, supported by landscape and infrastructure contributions from the Tuzla, Gebze, Darıca, and Çayırova Municipalities. Furthermore, through ongoing efforts to establish a technopark building that will support R&D and entrepreneurship in the maritime field, our faculty aims to become not only an educational institution but also a center of production and innovation, and in light of these developments, we sincerely wish to further advance our academic, scientific, and institutional success in 2026.

Details

ITU Maritime Faculty Participates in DSH Forum and MTCC Asia Advanced Training in Shanghai

Representatives from the Faculty of Maritime at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pelin Bolat, Research Coordinator, and Vice Dean Dr. Veysi Bashan, are participating in the DSH Forum and the MTCC Asia Advanced Training for Global Maritime Leaders, hosted by Shanghai Maritime University (SMU). The visit has been further enriched by participation alongside Prof. Dr. Aykut Olcer from the World Maritime University, adding significant academic value to the program. Meetings with SMU President Prof. Dr. Chu Beiping and Vice President Prof. Dr. Yin Ming provided a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere, reflecting strong institutional ties. The program, coordinated by Prof. Dr. Ruan Wei, Dean of the International College and Head of MTCC Asia, focuses on key IMO-related developments, including the ongoing STCW review and its implications for Maritime Education and Training (MET). Discussions with representatives from the China Maritime Safety Administration, COSCO, and Wärtsilä, along with upcoming sessions on decarbonization, digitalization, and geopolitics continuing until 25 November, offer valuable insights and contribute to strengthening international cooperation in the global maritime sector. In addition, Prof. Dr. Özcan Arslan conducted an official visit to Dalian Maritime University.

Details

ITU Ranks 1st in Turkey in 5 Fields in the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) 2024 Rankings

According to the 2024 Field Based Ranking (GRAS) results announced by ShanghaiRanking, ITU ranked first in Turkey in five fields. Our university ranked 33rd in the field of Ship/Marine Engineering and 36th in the field of Textile Science and Engineering in the international rankings, while it was ranked between 151-200 in the fields of Civil Engineering, Food Science and Technology and Ocean Science.

Details

ITU Ranks 30th Worldwide in Marine/Ocean Engineering in GRAS 2025

Istanbul Technical University (ITU) has maintained its leading position in Türkiye by ranking 30th worldwide in Marine/Ocean Engineering according to the ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) 2025 results. Advancing three positions compared to the previous year, ITU continues to strengthen its global standing through its robust research capacity and internationally impactful academic output. The research and educational activities carried out within the Faculty of Maritime and the Faculty of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering contribute significantly to ITU’s sustained excellence and growing visibility in the field.

Details

Traditional Fish Day Brings Maritime Community Together at ITU Maritime Faculty

The Traditional Fish Day event, organized by ITU Maritime Faculty in collaboration with the Alumni Association (DEFAMED) at the Tuzla Campus, brought together academics, alumni, students, and industry representatives. During the event, honorary doctorate degrees were awarded to Captain Refik Akdoğan and Engineer Fahrettin Küçükşahin in recognition of their long-standing contributions to the maritime sector, alongside the presentation of service plaques to distinguished alumni.

Details

New Laboratory Investment to Strengthen Educational Infrastructure at ITU Maritime Faculty

Istanbul Technical University Maritime Faculty is initiating a significant investment process to enhance its applied education and research infrastructure; within this scope, the existing boiler house, workshop building, and D Block classrooms will be removed and replaced with modern mechanical engineering laboratories and new workshop facilities, and a donation protocol was signed with Beşiktaş Shipping Company two days ago to support the realization of this transformation. This investment aims to strengthen the faculty’s technical capacity, expand hands-on training opportunities for students, and further reinforce collaboration with the maritime industry.

Details

Rector and Donors Meet at ITU Maritime Faculty

The Rector of Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, met with alumni and industry representatives who have contributed to the development of the ITU Maritime Faculty during a special gathering held on 26 May 2025 at the Tuzla Campus. The event focused on the Denizatı Training Building, constructed through the leadership and support of alumni and sector partners, and highlighted recent and ongoing infrastructure investments strengthening hands-on maritime education. Emphasizing that these buildings represent not only physical investments but also long-term commitment, solidarity, and a strong sense of belonging to ITU, Prof. Dr. Mandal thanked all contributing donors and presented plaques in recognition of their valuable support.

Details

Scientific Journey from ITU to Antarctica

A research team from Istanbul Technical University (ITU) departed from Istanbul on 6 February to participate in the 9th Turkish Antarctic Expedition (TAE IX), conducted under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye and coordinated by the Ministry of Industry and Technology and the TÜBİTAK MAM Polar Research Institute (KARE). Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy, from the Department of Maritime Transportation and Management Engineering, serves as the National Antarctic Expedition Coordinator, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Hasan Hakan Yavaşoğlu and Assist. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Fahri Karabulut from the Department of Geomatics Engineering, and Lect. Özgün Oktar, also from the Department of Maritime Transportation and Management Engineering. The team will carry out multidisciplinary research in areas including climate change, polar ecosystems, earth sciences, and atmospheric sciences, contributing to 19 scientific projects and strengthening ITU’s role in international polar research.

Details

ITU MF to Lead International Project on Safe Maritime Decarbonisation

Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Maritime Faculty has taken a leading role in a major international research initiative focused on safe maritime decarbonisation through the two-year project titled “Co-creation of the Safe Decarbonisation Journey for the Maritime Sector through Collaborative Research Strategies to Address the Gaps (IMSDN)”, coordinated by the University of Strathclyde and funded by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, an independent charity supporting safety, sustainability, and public benefit in the maritime and engineering sectors. The project leadership at ITU is undertaken by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elif Bal Beşikçi from the ITU Maritime Faculty, and the international consortium brings together nine institutions from Türkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Greece, and Egypt. Within the scope of the project, ITU will contribute its expertise in maritime safety, maritime education, and the development of inclusive and evidence-based policy frameworks, with the aim of strengthening international cooperation, promoting safe and sustainable maritime practices, and supporting the global transition toward a low-carbon and resilient maritime sector.

Details

ITU Project Supports Safety and Sustainability in Türkiye’s Ship Recycling Sector

A research project titled “Ship Recycling Risk Framework for Türkiye’s Safe and Sustainable Approach” is being carried out at the Faculty of Maritime, Istanbul Technical University (ITU) with the support of the Lloyd’s Register Foundation. Led by Assist. Prof. Dr. Esma Uflaz under the advisory of Prof. Dr. Özcan Arslan, the project focuses on analyzing occupational safety, environmental, and resource efficiency risks in ship recycling activities in the Aliağa region, aiming to develop a sustainable risk management framework aligned with international standards.

Details

ITU 2024 Excellence in Education Award

Dr. Gizem Kayışoğlu has been awarded the Excellence in Education Award in the field of Engineering Sciences within the scope of the 2024 Istanbul Technical University Awards. We congratulate Dr. Kayisoglu on this well-deserved recognition and wish her continued success in her academic career.

Details

ITU Maritime Faculty Research Assistant Awarded IAMU Young Academic Staff Support

Within the scope of the IAMU Young Academic Staff FY2026 program, ITU Maritime Faculty Research Assistant Emre Düzenli has been awarded support for his project titled “Workforce Impact Analysis of Digitalization in Maritime Transportation”. The project has been shaped as a result of studies conducted at the CybermarSec Lab under the supervision and directorship of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pelin Bolat, in collaboration with lab researcher Asst. Prof. Dr. Gizem Kayişoğlu.

Details

BRIDGE-IAB Project Strengthens ITU’s and Türkiye’s Maritime and Logistics Vision

Istanbul Technical University (ITU) is taking part in the “Building Relationships: Innovation and Development for Global Excellence via Industrial Advisory Board (BRIDGE-IAB)” project, supported by the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) and funded by the Nippon Foundation under IAMU’s 2025–2026 Institutional Development Projects. The project is coordinated by Prof. Dr. Ender Asyalı from Maine Maritime Academy, while the implementation at ITU is led by Prof. Dr. Özcan Arslan, Dean of the ITU Maritime Faculty, and Assist. Dr. Esma Uflaz, Vice Dean of the ITU Maritime Faculty. BRIDGE-IAB aims to strengthen sustainable collaboration between maritime academia and industry by establishing a structured Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) model within IAMU, enhancing university–industry cooperation, aligning maritime education programs with evolving sectoral needs, and fostering stronger engagement with international maritime stakeholders. Through its active contribution to this international initiative, ITU continues to support the development of global maritime education and research while making a strong contribution to Türkiye’s maritime and logistics vision.

Details

ITU Maritime Faculty Researchers Participate in GHG-Focused International Workshop

Researchers from the Faculty of Maritime at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) participated in the Workshop on the Development of GHG-related Standard Training Package and Digital Training Tool, organized by the International Maritime Lecturers Association (IMLA) and the International Joint Laboratory for Green and Low Carbon Technologies in Shipping, with the collaboration and support of Shanghai Maritime University. The workshop focused on the development of standardized training packages and digital training tools aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the maritime sector, providing a platform for academic cooperation and knowledge exchange. During the event, the ITU Maritime Faculty research team shared their ongoing research, modeling approaches, and educational practices contributing to sustainable and low-carbon shipping.

Details

SHINE 2025 Brings Technology and Innovation Together at ITU Maritime Faculty

SHINE 2025, the final stage of NATO Allied Command Transformation’s Innovation Continuum, was held at ITU Tuzla Campus with the active contribution of the Faculty of Maritime at Istanbul Technical University between 13 and 17 October 2025. The event brought together domestic and international defense industry companies, research institutions, and more than 700 participants to test emerging technologies under mission-oriented, real-world conditions. Showcasing applied demonstrations in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomy, cyber resilience, and advanced defense technologies, SHINE 2025 also provided a strong platform for collaboration between academia and industry. ITU project teams presented their innovative systems during the event, while the Faculty of Maritime played a key role in hosting and supporting this large-scale international innovation exercise.

Details

SPARK Event Held at ITU Maritime Faculty as Part of NATO Innovation Continuum

The SPARK event, the first activity of the 2025 Innovation Continuum series initiated by NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT), was held between 25–27 February 2025 at the ITU Tuzla Campus, hosted by the Faculty of Maritime at Istanbul Technical University and coordinated by the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB). Aiming to promote the use of emerging and disruptive technologies, innovation, interoperability, and experimentation within NATO activities, the event brought together approximately 180 participants from NATO agencies and member countries. During SPARK, representatives from defense and security sectors presented their capabilities, projects, and operational applications, while 13 Turkish defense companies, TÜBİTAK, and three military research centers actively participated, showcasing Türkiye’s advanced technological capacity and innovation potential. The event highlighted the strategic role of ITU Maritime Faculty in maritime policies, defense technologies, and international cooperation, while also reinforcing collaboration between academia, industry, and allied defense institutions.

Details

CyberMarSec Lab Receives “Contribution to the Sector Award”

CyberMarSec Lab, operating under the Faculty of Maritime at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) and directed by Assoc. Prof. Pelin Bolat, has been awarded the “Contribution to the Sector Award” within the scope of the 8th Smart Transportation Awards, presented during the Conf-ITS’25 1st National Intelligent Transportation Systems Conference held on 16–17 April 2025 at Teknopark Ankara. The award recognizes the laboratory’s pioneering research in maritime cybersecurity and its valuable contributions to public–private–academic collaboration. As one of the first research laboratories in Türkiye focused on maritime cybersecurity, CyberMarSec Lab continues to support the sector through advanced research, innovative security models, and knowledge-based solutions.

Details

Scientific and Artistic Contributions from Our Laboratory to the “Positive Management in Maritime” Workshop at Kocaeli University

The “Psychology-Based Positive Management in Maritime Workshop”, organized by the Faculty of Maritime Studies at Kocaeli University, was held at the Prof. Dr. Baki Komsuoğlu Culture and Convention Center. The workshop addressed critical issues in the maritime sector, including psychological resilience and workplace bullying. Academics and students from the Maritime Cognitive Ergonomics Research Laboratory of ITU Maritime Faculty contributed to the workshop both scientifically and artistically. Prof. Dr. Leyla Tavacıoğlu, Dr. Meltem Kora (Psychiatrist and academic partner), and PhD candidate Psychologist İrem Bulut Kaya from the Maritime Studies Program participated as invited speakers. In addition, students from the ITU Maritime Faculty Forum Theatre Group (Melisa Yalgın, Sibel Nar, Begüm Sevde Oral, Uğur İpek, Uğur Levent) provided artistic contributions through their performances. The organizers extend their sincere thanks to Prof. Dr. Nalan Tekin, Dean of the Faculty of Maritime Studies at Kocaeli University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umur Bucak, and all those who contributed to the successful organization of the workshop.

Details

ITU Maritime Faculty Researchers Participate in IMLA30 Conference

Researchers from the Faculty of Maritime at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) will participate in the 30th International Maritime Lecturers Association (IMLA30) Conference, which will be held in Split, Croatia, from 24 to 27 September 2025, hosted by the University of Split, Faculty of Maritime Studies. IMLA30 aims to promote international cooperation among maritime lecturers and to advance professional expertise across all maritime disciplines. The conference will bring together maritime educators, researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to discuss current trends, challenges, and innovations in maritime education and training through keynote sessions, workshops, and panel discussions. In addition, IMLA30 will host three specialized sub-conferences—INSLC23, ICERS17, and IMEC35—focusing on navigation simulators, engine room simulators, and maritime English, respectively, providing participants with opportunities for in-depth discussions and targeted networking.

Details

NATO MARSEC COE 5th Maritime Security Conference

Researchers from the Faculty of Maritime at Istanbul Technical University participated in the NATO MARSEC COE 5th Maritime Security Conference, held in Istanbul on 24–25 June 2025. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the organizing committee, the steering committee, and the academic committee for their valuable contributions in successfully delivering this important event.

Details