Columbia Group CEO, Mark O’Neil, has paid tribute to Turkey’s ‘resilient and innovative’ maritime industry, calling it as one of the leaders among global shipping nations and the ideal partner for Columbia’s next stage of growth.

Speaking at an industry event in Istanbul to mark Columbia’s expanding presence in the region, Mr O’Neil praised Turkish shipowners, shipyards, and the broader maritime industry for their tenacity and transformation over the past two decades.

“Today, Turkish shipping is right at the forefront, operating modern tonnage in a highly sophisticated way, supported by world-class associations, shipyards, brokers and financial institutions”, he said.

Mr O’Neil also recounted his own early experiences in the Turkish market as a lawyer representing Turkish shipping clients, noting the remarkable adaptability of Turkish yards that pivoted from newbuilding to repair after the 2008 downturn. That resilience and determination, he said, continued to underpin Turkey’s success story today.

The evening was also an opportunity to spotlight Columbia Group’s own transformation. What was once a traditional ship management company is now, in Mr O’Neil’s words, ‘an integrated maritime, logistics, energy, and leisure services platform and partner’.

“We’ve evolved our business model and our focus on partnerships,” he said. “We don’t want just clients, we want genuine partners and collaborators. We’re not interested in being just a “third-party” service provider. We’re here to be your partner, working together to optimise operations, build capabilities, and grow.”

The Group’s diversified services now includes advanced optimisation tools through its partner OneLink’s platform, technical and crew management, catering, procurement, training, healthcare, as well as cruise and superyacht management.

Mr O’Neil also cited flagship partnerships, such as those with global aviation IT leader, SITA to form SmartSea and AD Ports in Abu Dhabi to form Noatum – CSM Limited, as examples that underline Columbia’s commitment to genuine and transformative partnership.

Describing the Turkish maritime community and Columbia Group as a “marriage made in heaven,” aligned in their values of innovation, quality, and trust, Mr O’Neil also outlined the Groups’ future plans.

“We’re open for similar partnerships here in Turkey. Whether it’s ship operations, crewing, digitalisation, or even launching a cruise line like we did with the Aroya for Cruise Saudi, we’re ready, willing and able to build those futures together.”

The event also honoured seafarers in celebration of the International Day of the Seafarer (June 25). Columbia presented long-service awards to key Turkish crew members, including a female Chief Officer, reflecting the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“Ten percent of our seafarers are women,” Mr O’Neil noted. “In an industry where the average is 1%, that says everything about what’s possible at Columbia.”

The event closed with a direct call to action: “If you haven’t partnered with Columbia yet then now is the time. From Istanbul to the world, let’s build genuine and transformative partnerships together”