From brick manufacturing to global shipping: The evolution of Canbaz Shipping Group

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

Canbaz Shipping Group (CSG), a prominent player in the Turkish maritime sector, continues to expand its global footprint, managing a modern fleet of bulk carriers with a total capacity of 170,000 DWT.

What began as a construction and brick manufacturing enterprise in the early 1980s has evolved into a logistics powerhouse, now transporting over 2.1 million tons of cargo annually, ranging from grain and iron ore to fertilizer and coal.

The legacy of Behçet Canbaz

The company’s roots trace back to its founder, Behçet Canbaz. Born in 1926 in the Çolaklar Village of Kırcoali, Bulgaria, Canbaz immigrated to Istanbul in December 1950, settling in Gaziosmanpaşa.

His early career was defined by hard labor and technical skill; he worked as a welding operator in the historic İstinye and Haliç Shipyards. In the years that followed, he pivoted to the construction sector, dedicating his time to manufacturing and selling bricks.

It was in the late 1980s that Canbaz made the strategic decision to enter the sea transportation sector. Establishing the family business with his three sons—Salih, Nazmi, and Turan—he laid the foundation for what would become a major maritime group. Canbaz passed away in 1996, leaving a legacy of hard work and diversification.

Modern fleet and safety first

Today, the company is managed by the second and third generations, who have significantly modernized operations. By September 2021, CSG reported managing a fleet of bulk carriers with an average age of just 9 years.

The company emphasizes a "safety first" culture, strictly adhering to the International Safety Management (ISM) code.

"The company has a strong team who continually strive to provide a professional and efficient service derived from knowledge, experience, and dedication," the management stated in a corporate release.

Operational capacity

With a total carrying capacity of 170,000 DWT, CSG has become a vital link in the supply chain for dry bulk commodities. The firm's operational volume has reached approximately 2.1 million tons per year, underscoring its role in regional and international trade.

From its humble beginnings in a welding workshop to commanding a merchant fleet, CSG’s journey reflects the dynamic evolution of Turkish maritime trade over the last half-century.

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