International Symposium on the Legal Regime of Ports

The International Symposium on the Legal Regime of Ports was held on 3–4 September 2026 at the Mersin HiltonSA hotel in Mersin, Türkiye, organised by the Ankara University National Center for the Sea and Maritime Law (DEHUKAM) in cooperation with the Mersin Chamber of Shipping and with the support of Mersin International Port (MIP). The symposium was conducted in Turkish and English.

Across eight panels over two days, academics, public officials, diplomatic representatives and maritime industry professionals from more than 20 countries examined the legal status of ports under national and international law and the developments shaping their future: maritime connectivity and port diplomacy, the legal regime of ports, leadership in port management, Port State Control, maritime safety and security, the future of global shipping, the legal implications of smart ports, Port State jurisdiction and regional cooperation, and green ports and the protection of the marine environment.

The opening session featured remarks by Erdal Tonguç (Mersin International Port), Bedii Canatan (Mersin Chamber of Shipping) and Süleyman Önel (Chair of the DEHUKAM Board of Directors), followed by a keynote address by İsmet Yılmaz, 26th Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. The programme concluded on 5 September 2026 with a technical visit to Mersin International Port.