Cerrahgil Ship Agencies
and Services Co. Ltd.
Cerrahgil was established in Ereğli in 1887, relocated to Istanbul in 1921, and incorporated as the first joint-stock company in Türkiye’s maritime history in 1954, marking a distinguished legacy in the shipping industry. Cerrahgil Agency stands as one of Türkiye’s oldest and most reputable agencies, providing professional services to non-liner vessels transiting the Turkish Straits and all Turkish ports.
At the core of this strong heritage lies the significant contributions and decades of experience of the Cerrahgil family in the maritime sector. With its historical expertise and accumulated knowledge, Cerrahgil continues to deliver exceptional services in the industry.
Cerrahgil was the first company to capitalize on Türkiye’s newly liberalized regulations, enabling the financing and insuring of Turkish-flagged vessels abroad. This pioneering spirit positioned Cerrahgil as a leader in the early 1990s, managing the transportation of a significant portion of Türkiye’s grain import and export cargoes.
Cerrahgil Agency strengthened its position in the Turkish maritime sector through industry leadership, international representation and continued growth in shipping services.
Esref Cerrahoğlu was among the founding members of TURMEPA, a prominent environmental Non-Governmental Organization. During this period, Cerrahgil continued to contribute to the development of Türkiye’s maritime sector.
In 2010, the group delivered its first newly built vessel, the 81,000 dwt Kamsarmax bulk carrier Cerba, establishing a dedicated vessel operations department under the same name. Its sister ship, Flama, was delivered in 2011.
As of 2025, Cerrahgil & Kınay have made a strategic partnership, further enhancing the strength and capabilities of the joint collaboration. Both companies operate independently in their markets.