Turkish Seaborne Trade and the Effects of the Strategic Developments in the International Energy and Transport Corridors: A Qualitative Research

The facts that strong economies require more energy production which in turn requires further energy resources increase the importance of the energy and transport corridors for energy policies. This increase makes it clear that sea transport has a strategic role in terms of transit passage and the port/terminal links of pipelines. Concerning all these interrelations, this exploratory research aims to explore and reveal the effects of the strategic developments focused on the international energy and transport corridors on the Turkish seaborne trade. To reach this particular aim, a through literature review was carried out concerning the international energy and transport corridors and international energy sector. This literature review was followed by certain content analysis regarding the effects of the developments in the above mentioned areas on Turkey in general and a Delphi research involving the effects of such developments on the Turkish seaborne trade in particular. The research was concluded with a discussion on the statements agreed during Delphi research process. The discussion created certain recommendations and revealed that Turkey can maintain and sustain her effectiveness on the international energy and transport corridors only and only through having a powerful and effective seaborne trade structure.