Turkey is now the world’s second-largest boat manufacturer. It is benefiting from the global market and has become the world’s second-largest producer of mega yachts as a result of its strong design capabilities and high standards in the shipbuilding, yacht, and maritime services industries.
The ship, yacht, and maritime services industry has demonstrated a consistent growth performance in recent years, according to data collated by Anadolu Agency (AA) from Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TIM) and was presented recently.
Exports increased significantly from about $1 billion in 2018 and 2019 to over $1.45 billion in 2022. As the momentum continued, the sector’s exports, which were roughly $1.91 billion in 2024, hit an all-time high of $2.24 billion last year.
Similarly, the industry’s exports more than doubled in the first four months of this year, indicating a strengthening of the trend. Turkey’s ship and yacht industry exports thus rose from about $457.4 million to around $932.4 million between January and April, a startling 103.8% increase over the same time last year.
The improved performance is ascribed to the manufacturers’ growing experience, particularly their capacity to create custom boat projects, which have made Turkey, stand out in this industry’s global rivalry.
As a result, Turkey currently produces more mega yachts than the Netherlands and is ranked second in the world, behind Italy, according to the AA survey.
Demand from the European market and timely, high-quality projects have also contributed to the sector’s export growth. Growth has also been spurred by recent technological investments and improved production infrastructure.
The chairperson of the Boat Manufacturers and Suppliers Solidarity Association, Hüseyin Akduman, told AA that Istanbul’s Tuzla is unique in the 40–70 meter market and specializes in producing mega yachts.
According to Akduman, production under 24 meters has increased in Izmir, Bursa, andAntalya, accounting for roughly 60% of the market, while new mega yacht facilities have recently been introduced in Yalova.
According to him, the industry has benefited greatly from government assistance, and businesses are entering new markets with innovative designs and models, boosting export potential through market feedback, and securing contracts in unexplored nations.
Second in the Construction of Super Yachts
Akduman continued by highlighting the industry’s outstanding export performance and stating that local production and manufacturers’ self-improvement efforts are major contributors to export success.
“We are now able to produce accessories that are not even manufactured in Europe and market our yachts worldwide,” he maintained. This continuously increases our market share. Our country has reached second place in mega yacht production in the world. From design to components, from aesthetic details to functionality, we have surpassed Europe. This is increasing both exports and market share.”
Additionally, he said that one of the main issues facing the industry is the lack of specialization in technical and vocational institutions, and he claimed that advancements in this field might address the demand for qualified workers. Within two years, he said, the industry might generate $3.5 billion in exports.
Ege Sancak, an Izmir-based yacht maker, produces about 150 boats annually and exports them to 15 countries, according to Merve Nur Karakaya, sales and marketing manager.
She pointed out that the industry’s exports are expanding quickly and that producers have improved their technical expertise to meet production standards comparable to those of Europe.
Noting that Turkish yachts are attracting strong interest from Europeans, Karakaya said: “We carry out timely, successful, and problem-free deliveries. Therefore, both the number and share of exports have increased significantly.”
Source: Daily Sabah
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