We Conducted an Interview with Özgür Gülerler

In the interview we conducted, Green & Black General Manager Özgür Gülerler answered our questions. Gülerler described the services provided by Green & Black and gave information about maritime transport.

We would like to get to know you. Could you tell us about your education, professional career and areas of interest?

I have been working in ship brokerage for over 15 years. Before joining Green&Black, where I currently serve as General Manager and partner, I entered the sector at an early age in a shipping company. I have had a strong interest in maritime affairs since childhood, and as I grew older, I chose to focus on the commercial side of the industry.

Green & Black stands out with its young and dynamic team. How was Green & Black founded, and what objectives did it set out with? Could you describe Green & Black's foundation and development process?

Green&Black was founded in Istanbul in 2008. In 2023, as we celebrated our 15th anniversary, we serve our clients with offices in 4 different countries (Rotterdam, Istanbul, Dubai, Singapore) and 30 employees. Of course, the tanker sector was not as large in my early years in the industry, and many new shipping companies have been established during this period. Additionally, existing shipping companies have expanded their fleets during this time. This shows that the Turkish maritime sector is on the right track. In parallel with this, we have significantly increased our customer base. With employees from many different countries, I believe we have achieved our original goal by making our company one of the sector's leading global brands. Our greatest objective for the future will be to consolidate our position by increasing the number of offices and employees. Our profession is highly competitive, and ultimately we are in a position serving both shipowners and charterers. Having a large professional team is an absolute necessity in this sector. Aware of this, we will continue to invest in our people.

What types of services do you provide to which sectors? Could you explain in detail how Green & Black manages logistics processes?

We provide services in all types of maritime transport (dry bulk, liquid bulk, gas cargo), but due to our client portfolio, I can say we have specialized particularly in liquid bulk transport. A broker's primary duty is actually to provide correct and reliable service to both the shipowner and the cargo owner, that is, the charterer. Given the nature of the work, small or large problems are quite likely to occur in maritime transport. Managing both sides correctly, almost in an arbitrator capacity, can only be achieved through knowledge, expertise and experience. The chartering department is responsible for finding the appropriate vessel for the cargo to be transported and preparing the charter party with the terms agreed upon through negotiations. The operations department manages the voyage for the agreed transportation. Of course, these two departments work together to complete the voyage without issues. I believe we manage the transport process properly with our experience, which is our greatest asset.

In your view, how will the logistics sector develop and change in the coming periods? What path will Green & Black follow in light of changing conditions?

We can say that the logistics sector is a fundamental building block of trade. Maritime transport also directs commerce. 85% of world transport and 97% of oil and oil derivatives are transported by sea. As economic growth occurs in the world, maritime transport will continue to grow accordingly. The sector will need more vessels, more ports and more manpower. As Green&Black, with the strength of the brand we have built with great dedication and effort over 15 years, we desire to serve more clients.