Geopolitical tensions, port fires, extreme weather events driven by climate change, and supply chain disruptions are redefining risk management in the maritime transport sector. CEO of IBS Insurance and Reinsurance Brokerage Murat Çiftçi noted that the transformation in maritime shipping has changed not only insurance premiums but also the approach to risk management, adding that companies need to be better prepared for this new era. Çiftçi said, “While we used to focus primarily on operational risks such as ship accidents, cargo damage, or adverse weather conditions, today geopolitical developments, the effects of climate change, disruptions in port operations, cyber threats, and supply chain disruptions create multi-layered risks that must be assessed simultaneously. Risk is no longer limited to a ship’s safe arrival at port. Every link in the supply chain has become a risk area that must be assessed separately from an insurance perspective. Therefore, companies need to turn to comprehensive solutions that cover not only their cargo but also a supply chain insurance approach,” he explained. Noting that the growing uncertainties in maritime transport are also transforming the insurance sector, Çiftçi said that marine insurance is no longer merely a safeguard that kicks in only after a loss occurs. Emphasizing that companies engaged in international trade must closely monitor developments in the regions where they operate, Çiftçi stressed the growing importance of regularly reviewing insurance programs to align them with evolving risks. Pointing out that maritime transport is rapidly becoming digitized, Çiftçi stated that in the coming period, cyber risks, environmental liabilities, and threats to digital infrastructure will be among the most important agenda items for marine insurance. Noting that as IBS Insurance and Reinsurance Brokerage, they do more than simply provide policies to their clients, Çiftçi said they conduct risk analyses tailored to the specific industry, trade route, and operational structure of each client.