Besiktas Shipping marks 60 years of maritime excellence with sustainable vision

WISE NEWS PRESS / ISTANBUL, TURKEY — Nov. 22, 2025

Besiktas Shipping, a third-generation powerhouse in the Turkish maritime sector, is reinforcing its position as a reliable global carrier, boasting a fleet of 36 vessels and a workforce of over 1,000 staff members as it enters its seventh decade of operations.

The company, which began as a modest operator in the 1960s, has evolved into a comprehensive "medium-size" shipping organization. Today, it provides management services to major charterers across diverse segments including crude oil, product, chemical, gas, container, and dry bulk shipping.

From BP barges to global fleet

The company’s journey reflects the evolution of the modern shipping industry. In the 1960s, operations commenced with two long-term contracted oil barges from British Petroleum (BP). By the 1980s, the firm had established itself as a reputable short-sea tanker operator with 10 ships up to 10,000 dwt (deadweight tonnage).

The 1990s marked a period of significant expansion. The fleet grew to include larger vessels, such as four 50,000 dwt tankers and a 150,000 dwt crude oil carrier, primarily chartered to energy giants like Total, Fina, Elf, and ENI.

"Our mission is to provide First-Class ship management services that not only meets but exceeds safety, environmental, and customer requirements," the company stated in its corporate profile.

Caption: Besiktas Shipping has expanded its operations to include chemical, gas, and dry bulk shipping segments. (Photo: Besiktas Shipping / Handout)

'Zero Tolerance' safety culture

As part of its modern operational strategy, Besiktas Shipping has placed a heavy emphasis on "Sustainable Shipping." The management has adopted a long-term "Zero Tolerance" culture regarding Health, Safety, Security, Environment, and Quality (HSSEQ).

The company aspires for "HSSEQ Excellence," targeting no accidents, incidents, spills, or releases to the environment. Preventing risks and losses due to process errors has been identified as an essential part of the corporate culture for continuous improvement.

A legacy of reputation

Headquartered in the Kağıthane district of Istanbul, Besiktas Shipping continues to determine its route based on "reputation." As a ship owning and management company of the Besiktas Group, it remains active in ship owning, ship building, and ship repair services.

"Carrying on the long and successful business tradition of Besiktas Shipping, we continue to invest in modern shipping and aspire to maintain our future position as a reliable shipping company," the group added.

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