The largest vessel in TURMEPA’s Waste Collection Fleet “TURMEPA 30th Anniversay” launched in Göcek
DenizTemiz Association/TURMEPA has brought to life a special project to protect the seas in its 30th year. Developed with the support of AISIN OTOMOTIV PARCALARI SANAYI VE TICARET A.S. (AISIN Turkiye), the “TURMEPA 30TH ANNIVERSARY” liquid waste collection vessel has been launched to protect the coves of Göcek and prevent marine pollution. With a 15-ton waste collection capacity, this vessel is the largest in the association’s fleet and began operations on August 1st to contribute to the preservation of the seas.
Since its founding, TURMEPA has played a pioneering role in protecting our Aegean and southern coasts through waste collection vessels. With the support of AISIN Türkiye, it has now strengthened its fleet by commissioning its fifth and largest waste collection vessel in Göcek. Designed specifically to serve more boats in the high-traffic coves, reduce fuel consumption, and improve operational efficiency, the “TURMEPA 30TH ANNIVERSARY” has a 15-ton waste collection capacity. The vessel will also contribute to preventing marine pollution and protecting biodiversity.
The launch ceremony for the collaboration was held at D-Marin Göcek on Friday, August 1st. The event was attended by Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Muğla Provincial Director Ömer Bolat, Coast Guard Commander Major Burak Akanpınar, Fethiye Port Director Çetin Çiftçi, İMEAK Chamber of Shipping Fethiye Branch President İlkay Tugay, İMEAK Chamber of Shipping Fethiye Branch Assembly President Onur Ugan, Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Muğla Provincial Deputy Director Adem Konuk, Environmental Management and Inspection Branch Manager Aybüke Coşar, Environmental Management Specialist Selman Şimşek, TURMEPA Chairwoman of the Board Şadan Kaptanoğlu, AISIN Türkiye President Murat Ayabakan and members of the press.The “TURMEPA 30TH ANNIVERSARY” vessel, introduced to the public during the ceremony, officially began its mission by setting sail.
TURMEPA Chairwoman Şadan Kaptanoğlu said in her speech at the event:
“We are proud to realize such a meaningful project to protect our seas in TURMEPA’s 30th year. With AISIN’s valuable support, our ‘TURMEPA 30TH ANNIVERSARY’ waste collection vessel has joined our fleet and set sail as the fifth and largest in Göcek. As a non-profit organization working for the public good, being the first to launch waste collection boats in Türkiye and delivering such vital services to our seas is a great honor for us. At TURMEPA, we have been carrying out highly effective initiatives in Göcek since our establishment, offering long-term sustainable solutions for the region’s preservation. From the first waste collection boat to the first liquid waste reception facility, from mooring and buoy systems to educational programs and sea cleaning campaigns, our efforts aim to raise public awareness and create lasting impact for the conservation of the area. The support of environmentally conscious institutions like AISIN is an inspiration not just for us, but for all our stakeholders. Because the seas belong to all of us; protecting them is a shared responsibility. We sincerely thank the AISIN for their contribution to this meaningful project.”
AISIN Türkiye President Murat Ayabakan said, “Protecting our seas is no longer a choice — it is an obligation. We are proud to contribute to TURMEPA’s 30th anniversary project with the largest waste collection vessel in their fleet, helping preserve Türkiye’s precious marine ecosystems. At AISIN, sustainability is not only a part of our production, but a core value in everything we do. We are committed to supporting environmentally conscious initiatives and taking concrete steps to safeguard our natural resources for future generations.”
The Largest Vessel in the Fleet with 15 Tons of Capacity
“TURMEPA 30TH ANNIVERSARY,” the fifth vessel operating in Göcek, stands out as the largest vessel in the TURMEPA fleet with a 15-ton capacity. Its high capacity is expected to enable it to serve more boats and save on fuel consumption. With its five vessels in Göcek, TURMEPA provides a daily liquid waste collection capacity of 55 tons and continues to lead regional marine protection efforts. With the addition of the new vessel, TURMEPA now operates a total of nine waste collection boats actively in Çeşme, Bodrum, Hisarönü, and Selimiye as well.
About the DenizTemiz Association/TURMEPA
The DenizTemiz Association/TURMEPA was founded on April 8, 1994, under the founding chairmanship of Rahmi M. Koç, in collaboration with the Chamber of Shipping, to make the protection of our country’s coasts and seas a national priority and to leave a livable Türkiye, embraced by clean seas, for future generations. In 2000, it achieved public benefit association status by a decision of the Council of Ministers. Recognized nationally and internationally for the projects it has implemented, TURMEPA has become Türkiye’s leading maritime-focused non-governmental organization in 31 years.
About AISIN Otomotiv Parçaları San. Tic. A.Ş:
As a subsidiary of AISIN Europe, AISIN Türkiye manufactures automotive components such as door frames, door handles, door locks and seat belt sensors. The company goes beyond high-quality manufacturing by actively contributing to a more livable future through its commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and social contribution.