The maritime trade fair Europort celebrated its comeback in the Turkish metropolis of Istanbul. It featured 400 exhibitors from 45 countries.
Four national pavilions were also represented: from Poland, China, Greece and the Netherlands. Exhibition Director Raymond Siliakus was delighted with the successful relaunch of the seventh edition of the event. Siliakus was particularly positive about the participation of many international companies.
After a nine-year break, the aim was to achieve an internationally balanced comeback, said Siliakus. The trade fair director was also satisfied with the venue: “No location is closer to the large shipyard cluster with around 126 companies in the area around Tuzla, Yalova and Izmit and at the same time to the historic old town of Istanbul.”
Order for Jastram
German companies such as Jastram, the Hamburg-based manufacturer of steering gear and control systems, were also represented among the exhibitors. The company presented itself at the stand of its Turkish representative Nemo Marin. There, both partners, together with yacht builder Akyacht, announced a new order for Jastram.
The Turkish shipyard built the 85-metre superyacht “Victorious” in 2022. It is currently the largest yacht ever built in Turkey. This record is now to be broken by a new build over 100 meters long. The first steel cut for the ship is due to take place in November. The propulsion system will include two BU 90 series side thrusters from Jastram. The project is expected to be completed in around four years.
The German company DVZ Services, which specializes in water treatment on board, also presented itself at the stand of its Turkish representative. Senior Sales Manager Frank Müller presented the portfolio of DVZ’s Biomaster series wastewater treatment plants and the Oilchief deoiler at Arti’s joint stand.
His motivation for taking part in Europort Istanbul was not only to present the products but also to exchange ideas with the industry and potential customers. For this reason, Müller was not entirely satisfied with the new location in the Yenikapi Expo Center. At the previous location, closer to the shipbuilding site in Tuzla, the proximity to potential customers was greater, according to Müller.
Promarin propeller for all-electric tugboat
The German drive supplier Promarin also presented itself at a joint stand, together with the gearbox manufacturer Reintjes, which is also from Germany.
Reintjes represents Promarin from Erftstadt in North Rhine-Westphalia via a Turkish subsidiary. As Jannick Eberhard, Managing Director at Promarin Service and authorized signatory at Promarin – Propeller und Marinetechnik, reports, his company has been active in the Turkish market for more than ten years, particularly in the bulker, coaster and tugboat segments.
According to Eberhard, Turkey has caught up considerably in shipbuilding in recent years. Many innovative ships are being built there, such as the first fully electric tugboat from ZEETUG – Zero Emission Electric Tugboat. Promarin supplied the propellers for the ship, which went into operation in 2020. Ships like these are a trend in Turkey as a whole: “Turkish shipyards are increasingly focusing on building ships with hybrid or electric drives,” he states.
Europort 2026 in planning
Visitors to Europort Istanbul will be able to find out whether this trend will continue and what other innovations will be added in two years’ time. Exhibition Director Raymond Siliakus and his team were very satisfied with the outcome of this year’s event and are already planning the next Europort Istanbul, which is scheduled to take place in 2026.
