Turkey becomes a global player
29 Aug 2022
The demand for yachts has gradually increased in the last few years. The growing preference of travelers for personalized service and exclusive travel in the wake of the pandemic has accelerated the demand for new yachts, positively impacting the construction sector
Turkey, which has become a global player in the yacht building industry, has significantly increased its construction capabilities and competitiveness in recent years. There are now several yards which are capable of building a range of megayachts in steel, aluminum, GRP and wood. As a result, the country is taking a larger share of the global market.
In parallel, there has also been strong growth in the yacht equipment manufacturing sector in Turkey. Besides the strategic location of the yards, yards also offer an experienced workforce and a high quality of production.
Among the projects underway or completed in Turkey under RINA classification:
The Virtus 47 is a 47-metre contemporary yacht under construction by the Mengi Yay yard. Built to a contemporary style, it is equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows and offers a seamless sense of openness onto the outside world. Wıth its sleek look, the yacht also preserves its spacious layout with a 9m beam.
The 45XP is the flagship model in a new series of threedeck explorer vessels by Numarine. The 45 metre RINA-classed superyacht combines luxury living with excellent seakeeping capabilities, boasting a 4,000 nautical mile cruising range and a top speed of 16 knots.
Bilgin Yacht is offering the BILGIN 163, a 50-metre yacht with exterior design and naval architecture by Unique Yacht Design and interior design by Hot Lab. This brand-new project offers 20% more space than 48m yachts, and has a sportive look. The yacht offers great outdoor areas for entertaining and
accommodates up to 12 guests.
The S – Force is a 55-metre project under construction at the Turkish yard of the Italian Sea Group. With 2 CAT C32 Acert engines, it is capable of reaching a top speed of 18 knots and offers advantages typical of larger yachts due to its careful study of proportions and volumes. The main deck features a large circular area where guests can relax and can also be used as a touch-and-go helipad.
Turquoise Yachts has built Blue II, a 56-metre yacht with a gross tonnage of 706 and a cruising speed of approximately 11 knots. It includes an owner’s suite, private deck and jacuzzi, 2 VIP suites, 6 guest cabins, a beach club, treatment room, and gym and steam room.
Finally, the famous 71-metre Lürssen motor yacht The One (formerly Carinthia VI) has been refitted and restored at Turkey’s Aykin Shipyard in Yalova, following the horrific fire that broke out on board in 2018. The One was built in 1973. Jon Bannenberg designed the vessel’s iconic lines and Lürssen’s engineering team managed an impressive top speed of 28 knots from the slender hull shape and propulsion package.
RINA is now the classification society for more than 70% of yacht newbuilding projects in the country, equal to more than 70 vessels, and is by far the market leader in Turkey. The society’s reputation for quality, and its customer/result-oriented approach, have been key factors in its success.
