Turkey’s maritime giants unite: Cerrahgil and Kınay form strategic partnership

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

Two of the most storied names in Turkish maritime history, Cerrahgil and Kınay Group, have finalized a strategic partnership as of 2025, effectively establishing the largest agency network in the country.

This collaboration brings together Cerrahgil, established in 1887 and known as Turkey's first maritime joint stock company, with Kınay Group, a logistics powerhouse operating in 13 countries since 1946. The move combines nearly two centuries of collective experience to dominate the ship agency sector across the Turkish Straits and all major national ports.

Creating a maritime powerhouse

The partnership is set to redefine the operational landscape of Turkish shipping. By combining their resources, the joint collaboration now boasts a network of 7 port offices and employs over 95 qualified agency operations staff.

This expansion enhances the capabilities of both firms, allowing for broader coverage in key locations including Istanbul, Ereğli, Iskenderun, Mersin, Izmir, and Aliaga. The companies aim to leverage Kınay's international logistics footprint with Cerrahgil’s deep-rooted agency expertise.

A legacy of "Firsts"

Cerrahgil’s entry into this partnership is backed by a distinguished history of innovation. Relocating to Istanbul in 1921 and incorporating in 1954, the company was the first to capitalize on liberalized regulations in the 1980s to finance and insure Turkish-flagged vessels abroad.

The company’s leadership has historically shaped the sector. Founder Esref Cerrahoğlu served as the President of the Turkish Chamber of Shipping for four years and held significant roles on the Board of Lloyd’s Register and BIMCO’s Executive Committee. In 2010, the group expanded into ship ownership with the delivery of the 81,000 dwt Kamsarmax bulk carrier Cerba, followed by its sister ship Flama.

The "Shipowner Perspective"

A key differentiator for the agency division has been its philosophy of looking after client vessels "as if they were our own." Born from the necessity to service their own tonnage, Cerrahgil provides a shipowner’s perspective to agency services—a trait that provides a distinct advantage in solving operator problems firsthand.

The agency offers a comprehensive suite of services, including:

• Port and Transit Agency

• Vessel Husbandry and Crew Matters

• Bunkers and Dry Dock Agency (Tuzla)

• Cruise Ship handling

Commitment to "Zero Error"

Under the new partnership, the group has reaffirmed its commitment to "Total Quality Management." The operational philosophy aims for "Zero Error" based on continuous improvement.

"Our goal is to offer services which will benefit our customers beyond their expectations... adopting Total Quality Management as a way of life," the company stated in its quality policy.

This merger of tradition and logistical reach marks a new chapter for the Turkish maritime sector, promising increased efficiency and cost-effective solutions for global shipping lines calling at Turkish ports.

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