THE FUTURE OF THE LOGISTICS SECTOR

Helping showcase Türkiye’s logistics potential to the world, while supporting local firms in taking a stronger global role, is both a great responsibility and a personal source of pride for me

Türkiye’s growing prominence in global logistics is being shaped not only by its geographical advantages but also by visionary leadership, digital transformation, and sustainability- driven strategies. Barış Dillioğlu plays a key role in this multifaceted transformation of the logistics sector. Beyond his leadership at Kınay Taşımacılık ve Lojistik A.Ş., he is also noted for his active roles at UTİKAD, İMEAK, and DEİK. We spoke with Dillioğlu for a wide-ranging discussion on the current landscape of Turkish logistics, the forces driving its transformation, and his vision for the future.

MR. DİLLİOĞLU, YOUR DIVERSE RESPONSIBILITIES IN ADVANCING TÜRKİYE’S POSITION IN GLOBAL LOGISTICS, PARTICULARLY YOUR WORK UNDER THE DEİK LOGISTICS BUSINESS COUNCIL, ARE TRULY NOTEWORTHY. COULD YOU START BY TELLING US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF? ALSO, COULD YOU SHARE YOUR UPCOMING PLANS TO ACCELERATE THE DIGITAL AND SUSTAINABILITY-FOCUSED TRANSFORMATIONS OF TURKISH LOGISTICS FIRMS?

Hello. My journey began in 2005 when I joined Kınay Taşımacılık ve Lojistik A.Ş. as a Managing Partner. Since then, it has evolved into a dynamic process through which I’ve taken on numerous international responsibilities. Today, I serve as Vice President of the Board at UTİKAD, Board Member of the İMEAK Chamber of Shipping, and Chairperson of the DEİK Logistics Business Council. I also maintain my role as Managing Partner at Kınay Taşımacılık ve Lojistik. With our international logistics and transport operations, we are now active in 33 cities across 13 countries on 4 continents, and we keep growing. We have always believed in the strategic importance of logistics to the Turkish economy, and with this belief, we have considered it our responsibility to lead sectoral collaborations and global expansion.

In this respect, my role as Chairperson of the DEİK Logistics Business Council reflects both our institutional vision and our commitment to fostering cooperation across the sector. Established in 2013, our Council provides a significant platform for the Turkish logistics sector to become stronger, more respected, and more competitive on the global stage. As the Council, we actively support companies operating in the logistics sector in Türkiye so they can seize opportunities abroad and adapt to global supply chain dynamics. Our goal is not just to help firms enter foreign markets, but to connect them with regional and international partners, and to support the development of sustainable, innovative solutions through logistics diplomacy. Under DEİK, we maintain close coordination with government agencies and global institutions to steadily strengthen Türkiye’s role in the global value chain. Logistics today is far more than transportation; it has evolved into a strategic industry shaped by digital innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge technologies.

Being part of this transformation and helping showcase Türkiye’s logistics potential to the world, while supporting local firms in taking a stronger global role, is both a great responsibility and a personal source of pride for me. Türkiye, especially with its strategic location and strong logistics infrastructure, has become one of the most critical players in global trade. The logistics industry forms the backbone of this success. As the Chairperson of the DEİK Logistics Business Council, it is highly important to emphasise transformation dynamics such as digitalisation, sustainability, and innovative technologies when assessing the current state and future of the sector.

HOW DO YOU VIEW THE CURRENT STRUCTURE OF TÜRKİYE’S LOGISTICS SECTOR AND ITS POSITION GLOBALLY? AND HOW ARE DIGITALISATION AND AUTOMATION SHAPING THIS STRUCTURE?

With each new wave of innovation, digitalisation in logistics is making operations faster, more efficient, and more transparent. Digitalisation is no longer just about operational efficiency; it has now become a key determinant of competitive advantage in the sector. Real-time tracking, big data analytics, and AI-driven optimisation tools are rendering each stage of the supply chain more visible and easier to manage. This shift became even more evident in the post-pandemic period, where technology’s role proved to be indispensable. Strengthened by its geopolitical location, advanced port systems, and vibrant private sector, Türkiye’s logistics sector has emerged as a regional logistics hub. Acting as a bridge between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Türkiye has bolstered this position even further in recent years through digitalisation and automation.

SUSTAINABILITY IS NOW A PERMANENT PART OF THE LOGISTICS INDUSTRY’S AGENDA. HOW WELL ARE TURKISH FIRMS ADAPTING TO THIS SHIFT, AND WHAT GREEN LOGISTICS PRACTICES ARE GAINING MOMENTUM?

Today, green transformation and sustainability have become unavoidable agenda items in the logistics sector. International regulations such as the European Green Deal mandate reductions in carbon emissions, while environmentally friendly logistics practices are also emerging as factors that enhance brand value. Turkish logistics companies are adapting to this change at a fast pace. Low-emission fleets, energy efficiency initiatives, intermodal transport solutions, and certifications like ISO 14001 all demonstrate the logistics sector’s commitment to sustainability. Maritime transport, in particular, offers a strategic edge in this area thanks to its inherently low carbon footprint.

At Kınay Taşımacılık ve Lojistik A.Ş., we keep raising our service standards with certifications including ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, 10002, and 27001. Maritime transport’s eco-friendly structure also aligns with broader sustainability goals. Projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions and efforts to improve energy efficiency help position maritime transport as a more eco-friendly alternative. In this context, many logistics companies in Türkiye are rapidly continuing their investments to develop green logistics solutions. Through the innovative and forward-looking approach of Turkish logistics firms, we aim to strengthen our contribution to economic growth, export capacity, and sustainability in maritime transport.

HOW ARE EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES LIKE AI, BIG DATA, AND AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS REDEFINING LOGISTICS OPERATIONS? AND HOW DO YOU VIEW RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN AUTONOMOUS VESSELS AND UNMANNED VEHICLES?

Artificial intelligence, big data, and autonomous systems are driving a major transformation in logistics. Türkiye has made impressive strides in adopting these technologies. In areas like route optimisation, demand forecasting, and warehouse automation, AI applications are cutting costs and enhancing service performance.

Autonomous ship technology and unmanned ground vehicles are paving the way for the future of logistics. While these innovations are not yet in widespread use, Türkiye is actively investing in R&D and pilot projects to build a strong position in this space. Autonomous systems are expected to bring major gains in both safety and operational efficiency. At Kınay Taşımacılık ve Lojistik A.Ş., our digital infrastructure and process management tools allow us to track operations in real time and make data-driven decisions on the spot. With the help of AI and big data analytics, we now manage key functions like demand forecasting and inventory control more efficiently and accurately.

HOW HAVE GLOBAL CRISES SUCH AS PANDEMICS, WARS, AND SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS AFFECTED LOGISTICS PLANNING AND INSURANCE FRAMEWORKS IN TÜRKİYE? WHAT PROACTIVE MEASURES SHOULD BE TAKEN FOR THE FUTURE?

Global trade has been undergoing significant shifts in recent years due to a series of geopolitical crises, wars, and regional tensions. From the Russia-Ukraine War to Red Sea security threats, ongoing instability in Syria, and the Israel-Palestine conflict, these events have shaken the global economy, not just politically or socially, but also through their impact on supply chains. As a result, concepts like security, resilience, and flexibility have taken centre stage in supply chain planning.

Broadly speaking, global crises such as pandemics, wars, and supply chain disruptions have exposed the vulnerabilities of the logistics industry. The events of recent years have made clear the rising importance of risk management and insurance systems. In Türkiye, companies are increasingly adopting multimodal transportation strategies to build more resilient and adaptable supply chains, while placing greater emphasis on comprehensive insurance coverage.

The global crises have positioned our country at the centre of alternative trade corridors due to its geostrategic location. Strategic routes like the Middle Corridor and the Development Road Project have positioned Türkiye as a key transit gateway between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Escalating risks in the Northern Corridor and Red Sea region have further elevated Türkiye’s strategic importance in transit logistics. At the DEİK Logistics Business Council, we are working to ensure that Turkish logistics firms can turn global market risks into new opportunities. As previously noted, digitalisation, sustainability, AI, big data analytics, automation, and alternative route planning all contribute to strengthening Türkiye’s position as a logistics powerhouse. Looking ahead, digital risk assessment, contingency routing, and localised supply chain solutions will become indispensable tools for navigating future disruptions. Furthermore, international collaborations and state-backed logistics initiatives will boost Türkiye’s resilience against global economic shocks.

WHAT KIND OF EVOLUTION DO YOU ANTICIPATE FOR THE LOGISTICS SECTOR IN TÜRKİYE AND AROUND THE WORLD OVER THE NEXT DECADE? WHICH AREAS SHOULD ATTRACT THE ATTENTION OF YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS AND INVESTORS?

The logistics industry is poised for a fundamental transformation over the next 10 years. Türkiye’s role as a regional logistics hub is set to grow even stronger. Growth strategies built on digitalisation, sustainability, and innovation will shape the future direction of the sector. For young entrepreneurs and investors, key areas of opportunity include logistics technologies, e-commerce logistics, green logistics models, and data-driven supply chain management.

Also, Türkiye’s expanding port investments and logistics free zones are creating a highly attractive environment for investment. In summary, logistics is no longer just about moving goods; it’s now a strategic intersection of technology, environmental responsibility, and intelligent management.

Holding a strong infrastructure and forward-looking mindset, Türkiye is on track to become an even more influential player in the global logistics landscape.