President of Association of Turkish Coaster Shipowners and Operators
Born in 1978, Neslihan Torlak holds a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Istanbul Technical University. As the 5th generation of the Adnan Torlak family, whose maritime roots date back to the 1940s, she built her career across the family's Torgem and Dentaş Shipyards before joining MPC Marine in Hamburg. She later returned to Istanbul as Managing Director of Dentaş Shipyard, became Vice Chairman of ATOMAR Shipping in 2018, and since 2024 has served as Managing Director of Atotech Maritime GmbH & Co. KG. in Hamburg. A founding member of WISTA, she contributes to several maritime education advisory boards and has been President of KOSDER since May 2025.
Neslihan Torlak
Dr Martin Kröger
Chief Executive Officer
At the helm of the German Shipowners Association, I focus on steering the shipping industry toward sustainable practices and advocating for robust maritime policies. With over a decade of service to the German Shipping Foundation, I have built deep expertise in fund and foundation management, supporting the education of seafarers across Germany. As Managing Director, I have established a strong foundation in government relations and in shaping the maritime regulatory landscape. My background in international maritime law, developed through a Master's degree in South Africa and Executive Education at Harvard Kennedy School, has been pivotal in navigating complex regulatory and legal frameworks.
Yusuf Yalçın Çapoğlu
Vice President of Association of Turkish Coaster Shipowners and Operators
Born in 1975 in Trabzon, Yusuf Yalçın Çapoğlu graduated from the Maritime Faculty at Istanbul Technical University in 1998. He began his career at sea, working aboard containerships, mini bulkers, and bulk carriers on worldwide routes. From 2002, he shifted his focus to cargo and ship brokering, specializing in coasters up to handymaxes, including sale and purchase transactions. For over a decade, he has been active in chartering and ship management through Kilyos Shipping Inc. A member of the Turkish Shipbroker Association and KOSDER, he currently serves as Vice President of the Association of Turkish Coaster Shipowners and Operators.
Hüseyin Avni Şan
Secretary General of Association of Turkish Coaster Shipowners and Operators
Born in İnebolu in 1972, he graduated from Beykoz Maritime High School in 1989. He spent a decade at sea as a deck officer and captain on tanker vessels, gaining extensive experience in international maritime transportation, tanker operations, and maritime safety. Transitioning to shore, he took on management roles covering vessel operations, chartering, and port logistics. In 2003, he became a founding partner of Densa Tanker Operations Ltd., where he continues to contribute to ship operations and company growth within the tanker and coastal shipping sectors. He is currently a member of the Tanker Committee of the Chamber of Maritime Commerce and serves as General Secretary of the Association of Turkish Coaster Shipowners and Operators.
Hatice Ünlü Karaağaç
Board Member of Association of Turkish Coaster Shipowners and Operators
She was born in Istanbul in 1970. After graduating from Middle East Private High School, she completed her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She is currently Financial Manager and Partner at the family-owned companies, Ünlü Shipping and Emsan Shipping. With approximately 30 years of experience in the maritime industry, she has been a Board Member of KOSDER since 2025.
Selin Göl Şenel
Public Relations & Events Executive
Selin Göl Şenel graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University (USA). She worked as a civilian Protocol Specialist in the Turkish Armed Forces for 16 years. She then spent approximately 7 years at Buyuk Kulup Association in the Departments of Executive Assistance and Event Management. Since September 2025, she has been working at KOSDER as a Public Relations and Events Executive, contributing to the organisation of sectoral events.
Ümit Avcı
Corporate Communications &Administrative Affairs Executive
Ümit Avcı graduated from Istanbul University-Faculty of Communication, with a Bachelors’s degree in Radio, Television and Cinema. He completed an internship in desktop publishing at Anadolu Agency. He has worked as a program producer, director and broadcast manager for national and international channels. He gained experience in media and public relations at news agencies, production companies and various commercial organizations. Since 2023, he has been working as the Corporate Communications & Administrative Affairs Executive at KOSDER to contribute to the Association’s vision.
Dora Bakan
Creative Art Director & Marketing
Dora Bakan is a graphic designer, art director, and brand strategist based in Istanbul, with 16 years of experience across visual identity, creative direction, social media, and ATL/BTL campaigns. He works with three advertising agencies as an external creative partner while running DBCIS; Dora Bakan Creative Intelligence Studio; his own AI-powered studio combining brand strategy, visual identity, and content direction under one creative mind. His client portfolio spans maritime, hospitality, lifestyle, and technology sectors, with work delivered in Turkish and English. At db.cis, AI is not a background tool; it is a visible, central part of how he works and the value he delivers.
Organized by KOSDER
The Association of Turkish Coaster Shipowners and Operators (KOSDER) is the driving force behind SHIPROUTE '26. Founded to represent the core of the regional maritime industry, KOSDER serves as a critical bridge between international partners.
For this key event in Istanbul, with Germany as the Guest Country, KOSDER aims to strengthen the historical and commercial ties between the Turkish and German maritime sectors.
Here, where historic roots meet new opportunities, we honor the journey that brought us here and set sail towards the future together.