Karadeniz Technical University (KTÜ) stands as one of Türkiye’s leading higher education institutions shaping the nation’s maritime vision. Particularly in maritime education, KTÜ has positioned itself as a prominent reference point and a key academic center. The university’s new vision, formed in line with its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, aims to develop an innovative, sustainable and science-driven maritime education model, strengthen integration with the industry, and enhance Türkiye’s global competitiveness in the maritime sector. We spoke with KTÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Çuvalcı about the university’s strategic goals, maritime-focused initiatives, and its multi-layered collaborations with the maritime industry.
Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Çuvalcı emphasized that KTÜ is committed to establishing a maritime education model that is innovative, sustainable, and grounded in scientific principles, in accordance with its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan. He highlighted the university’s determined progress in enhancing educational quality, strengthening research capacity, and advancing internationalization, noting that KTÜ prioritizes international projects, interdisciplinary research culture, and the development of academic human capital in line with its research university status.
Prof. Dr. Çuvalcı underlined that KTÜ’s strong, multi-tiered collaborations with the maritime industry—ranging from shipyards and shipowners to logistics companies and port operators—provide students with robust hands-on experience. Stating that internships, technical visits, and career programs directly elevate the quality of education, he noted that these partnerships allow students to integrate into the sector even before graduation and significantly expand their employment opportunities.
Highlighting that academic staff development remains one of KTÜ’s core priorities, Prof. Dr. Çuvalcı said that the university’s academic team, many of whom have gained international experience, brings substantial research dynamism to KTÜ. He added that young researchers are supported through TÜBİTAK programs and internal incentives, and that academic promotion criteria are aligned with international standards through a multidimensional framework.
Prof. Dr. Çuvalcı also noted that KTÜ, with its STCW- and IMO-compliant training structure, serves as a key institution in shaping Türkiye’s maritime workforce. He emphasized that KTÜ’s simulator laboratories and practice-oriented training infrastructure provide maritime education that meets global standards. Regarding sustainability, he stated that KTÜ plays an active scientific role in EU-funded projects related to the protection of the Black Sea ecosystem, marine litter mitigation, ghost-net removal, and blue-economy practices.
In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Çuvalcı affirmed that KTÜ will continue advancing with a focus on quality assurance, research excellence and industry integration, reiterating the university’s strong commitment to establishing an internationally recognized and exemplary maritime education model.
