Salim DÜZGİT
Founder
Salim Düzgit (b. 1935) is the founder of Düzgit Group and a pioneering figure in Turkey’s maritime services industry. Born in Anadolu Kavağı into a seafaring family originally from Rize, he grew up surrounded by the traditions of the Bosphorus and the Black Sea. From an early age, he demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit—finding ways to earn his own income, mastering seamanship, and learning the discipline of hard work.
In 1961, he began working with local entrepreneurs who provided services to ships transiting the Bosphorus. His technical skill, determination, and instinct for opportunity quickly set him apart. By 1966, he established İstanbul Boğazı Vapur Hizmetleri at Büyükdere pier. His very first earnings—a 10 lira banknote—were framed and preserved as a lifelong reminder of humble beginnings and the value of perseverance. He often reflected: “Nothing lasts forever. Everything changes in an instant. That is why you must do your work properly, consciously, and with foresight.”
From those modest origins, Düzgit steadily expanded his services. He introduced modernized service boats equipped with radar and communication systems, transforming what was once a simple boat operation into a professional maritime agency. His company became a trusted partner for shipowners and operators, providing crew transfers, customs facilitation, and agency support with unmatched reliability.
Above all, Salim Düzgit built his enterprise on values of integrity, loyalty, and resilience. He believed that success was not only about profit, but about service, trust, and continuity. His leadership laid the foundation for today’s Düzgit Group, which continues to uphold his vision: combining tradition with innovation and serving the global shipping industry with professionalism and dedication.
Founder’s Message
“I began with a single boat and a single banknote. What grew from that was not just a company, but a commitment: to serve the maritime world with honesty, foresight, and respect. Every achievement rests on these values. As long as Düzgit Group carries them forward, the future will always be secure.” – Salim Düzgit
