MARSEC COE successfully hosted the 6th Maritime Security Conference on 09–10 June 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye, under the theme:
“Building Resilient Maritime Security in an Age of Grey Zone Threats and Challenges.”

The conference welcomed 240 participants from 44 different countries and 88 institutions, including senior military leaders, academics, maritime security experts and defence industry representatives. The event provided an academic forum for discussions, knowledge exchange, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

We were deeply honoured by the attendance of Admiral (Ret.) Ryo SAKAI, Former Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Rear Admiral (UH) Ramazan ÖZOĞUL, Commander of Naval Academy and Rear Admiral (LH) Selçuk AKARI Commander of Naval Education and Training Command, whose presence underscored the importance of the grey zone activities to the maritime security.

Our Academic Advisor, Prof Dr. Christian BUEGER, contributed valuable perspectives aimed at addressing the challenges and threats to maritime security in an age of grey zone.

Throughout the conference, participants explored the evolving nature of grey zone threats ranging from hybrid tactics and cyber operations to illicit maritime activities, and their impact on maritime security.

🔗 The conference once again confirmed MARSEC COE’s role as a hub of maritime knowledge, operational collaboration, and strategic foresight.
📍 Istanbul, Türkiye
🗓️ 09–10 June 2026
👥 240 Participants | 🌍 44 Nations | 🏢 88 Institutions