Energy Security and the Turkish Shipyards in the Arctic: Global Transformations and Türkiye

Energy security, which is an integral part of energy policy along with affordability of energy, as well as environmental soundness, has become an essential discussion topic due to the negative effects of the climate crisis. In recent years, the emergence of several factors that pose a risk to transporting energy resources safely, especially in the Suez Canal - such as the Evergreen crisis, the Houthis blocking the activities along the Canal, and the Panama Canal facing the risk of drought, have stimulated discussions about alternative transportation routes. The extant literature focuses on the utility of the Arctic maritime routes based on three major maritime connections namely the Northwest Passage (NWP), the Northeast Passage (NEP), and the Trans-Polar Passage (TPP). On the other hand, there is a rising Arctic interest in Turkish shipyards and the number of successful bidders has increased as well. In this context, the preference for ships produced in Turkish shipyards, especially for the use of the Arctic maritime routes, holds the potential to become an important step in ensuring energy security. Since the issue of energy security currently necessitates a wide analysis framework consisting of environmental, political, and economic risks, this study also adopts a wider framework. Based upon the recent energy security framework in line with the developments in global politics, this paper examines the increasing activities of Turkish shipyards in the Arctic. The systematic review method is used to investigate current developments and future projections. Accordingly, from a global perspective, this study aims to present the role of Turkish shipyards in ensuring energy security in the region.

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