New BlueBridge Maritime Istanbul Forum and international country pavilions bring practical solutions and global business opportunities to Istanbul.
20 October 2026 – From 4 to 6 November 2026, Europort Istanbul will bring the international maritime industry together at the Yenikapı Expo Center in Istanbul. With 300 companies exhibiting from more than 30 countries, dedicated international pavilions and the debut of the BlueBridge Maritime Istanbul Forum, the exhibition will highlight the technologies, partnerships and practical solutions shaping the future of shipping and shipbuilding.
Strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Istanbul provides a natural meeting point for shipbuilders, shipowners, equipment manufacturers and technology providers. With approximately 7,000 maritime professionals expected to attend, Europort Istanbul offers a platform for international business development, knowledge exchange and cross-border cooperation.
“The maritime industry is facing shared challenges, from decarbonisation and digitalisation to a need for stronger international supply chains. No single market can address these challenges alone,” says Raymond Siliakus, Director of Europort. “Europort Istanbul connects the people, technologies and expertise our industry needs to move forward.”
BlueBridge Maritime Istanbul Forum: turning innovation into practical solutions
New for Europort Istanbul 2026, the BlueBridge Maritime Istanbul Forum will take place on 4 and 5 November. The two-day conference will bring together technology providers, shipyards, shipowners and industry specialists to address some of the maritime industry’s most pressing operational and technological challenges.
The programme will focus on how emerging technologies can be translated into measurable improvements in efficiency, safety and environmental performance.
BlueBridge sessions will include Fuelling the Transition: Alternative Fuels, Bunkering & Practical Pathways to Decarbonisation, and AI & Predictive Maintenance, with key presentations focusing on smarter measurement, energy efficiency, voyage optimisation, automation and cybersecurity. The forum will also examine the global position of Turkish shipyards, including their technological competitiveness and readiness for the industry’s transition towards more sustainable and digitally connected operations.
“With the introduction of the BlueBridge Forum, we’re creating a highly focused opportunity for those joining us in Istanbul to turn knowledge and new connections into real progress,” adds Siliakus. “By focusing on real-world applications rather than future ambitions alone, our aim is to connect innovation with the operational needs of maritime businesses.”
International pavilions strengthen global maritime connections
Europort Istanbul 2026 brings together a truly international maritime community. Alongside strong participation from the Turkish maritime industry, the 2026 edition will welcome 64 individual international organisations, as well as national pavilions from the Netherlands, China and Poland.
For the first time, an Africa Pavilion will join the event, with Douala City Council from Cameroon among the confirmed exhibitors. Ms Beti Assomo Reine, Technical Adviser No. 2 at Cameroon’s National Port Authority, will also contribute to the conference programme, bringing valuable perspectives from Cameroon’s maritime sector.
Together, these companies and pavilions make Europort Istanbul a place to meet new suppliers, discover international expertise and build connections across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Connecting international expertise with Türkiye’s shipbuilding industry
With growing demand for energy-efficient vessels, modernisation projects and advanced marine technologies, Europort Istanbul also creates opportunities for cooperation between Turkish shipyards and international suppliers. As home to more than 85 active shipyards, Türkiye has developed a strong reputation in ship construction, repair, conversion and specialised vessel development.
Building partnerships beyond the exhibition floor
Alongside the exhibition and conference programme, Europort Istanbul will provide opportunities for targeted business networking.
The MariMatch B2B matchmaking event, taking place on 5 November, will facilitate meetings between Turkish and international companies interested in developing new business relationships, technology partnerships and collaborative projects. An additional online matchmaking day on 12 November will allow participants to continue conversations beyond the exhibition.
By combining an international exhibition floor, with a comprehensive knowledge-based programme and structured business networking, Europort Istanbul 2026 aims to strengthen connections across the global maritime value chain.
For more information on Europort Istanbul 2026, visit: www.europort.com.tr.
About Europort Istanbul
Europort Istanbul is an international maritime exhibition connecting Turkish and international shipbuilders, shipowners, maritime equipment manufacturers, technology providers and industry professionals. Organised biennially, the exhibition provides a platform for business development, knowledge exchange and international cooperation across the maritime sector.
The 2026 edition takes place from 4–6 November at the Yenikapı Expo Center in Istanbul and is expected to welcome around 300 exhibiting companies from more than 30 countries and approximately 7,000 maritime professionals.
