Turk Loydu

Türk Loydu Compliance Evaluation Services Anonymous Company (Türk Loydu CESS A.Ş.) is an independent classification and conformity assessment organization established by the Türk Loydu Foundation. It has operated as an anonymous company since 2017, with the Türk Loydu Foundation as its sole shareholder.

The organization provides technical competence and classification services in the maritime, energy, defense, and industrial sectors. On 1 November 2023, it became a full member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). This membership is regarded as a significant development that enhances the organization’s technical capacity and effectiveness in the global maritime sector, while also enabling its active contribution to the establishment of international maritime standards.

History

Türk Loydu is an organization founded on 27 February 1962 in Istanbul by the Chamber of Marine Engineers and is recognized as one of Türkiye’s oldest classification institutions. Its purpose is to ensure safety and raise standards in maritime, construction, and industrial fields. Türk Loydu conducts inspection and certification activities across a wide range of areas, from shipbuilding to industrial facilities, in accordance with international standards. Over time, as it integrated with global developments, it has assumed important roles beyond the maritime sector, particularly in renewable energy and environmental fields. Today, Türk Loydu continues to maintain its leadership position in the sector as a trusted brand at both national and international levels.

Türk Loydu gained legal status in 1966 and reached a major milestone in 1981 when it was granted the title of “National Recognized Classification Organization.” In 1986, the foundation restructured its organizational framework and expanded its domestic presence by opening offices in İzmir and Ankara in 1992. In 1993, it began classification services for Türkiye’s first military vessel, TCG Yarbay Kudret, and in 1996, it relocated from Tophane to the Tuzla Shipyard Area. In 1998, the “Türk Loydu Foundation Economic Enterprise” was established to manage the foundation’s activities. In 2001, Türk Loydu became the first national organization to receive ISO 17021 accreditation from SWEDAC. In 2005, it was granted oversight authority for the MİLGEM Project, and in 2006, it was included in the Paris MoU High Performance List. In 2007, IACS membership was designated as a strategic goal, and this membership was formally registered in 2011. In 2014, to emphasize R&D efforts, TL Technical R&D Company was established, and in 2015, the classification agreement for TCG Anadolu was signed. In 2017, the foundation’s economic enterprise was transformed into Türk Loydu Compliance Evaluation Services A.Ş.

Türk Loydu was accepted as the 12th member of IACS in 2023. Today, Türk Loydu continues its operations in multiple sectors—including maritime, energy, defense, and industry—guided by the principles of international technical competence, impartiality, and integrity.

Türk Loydu Projects and Areas of Activity

TCG Yarbay Kudret (1993): Provision of classification services for TCG Yarbay Kudret, Türkiye’s first military vessel.

MİLGEM Project (2005): Acquisition of oversight authority and provision of technical support under the National Ship Project.

TCG Anadolu (2015): Signing of the classification agreement for TCG Anadolu, an amphibious assault ship.

IACS Membership (2023): Attainment of full membership in the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), enabling active participation in the establishment of international standards.

R&D and Digitalization Initiatives (2014 and onwards): Establishment of an R&D company and implementation of innovation projects focused on sustainability and digitalization.