The investments boost the already proven capacity of Turkish yacht manufacturers

The free zone in the southern Turkish province of Antalya, which plays an important role in the production of yachts in Turkey in third place after Italy and the Netherlands, has become one of the preferred shipyards in the Mediterranean basin for production, maintenance and repair. Of luxury yachts, thanks to the commissioning of 560 tons of winch after recent investments.

The region, which enabled 479 yachts worth nearly $ 1.3 billion, has gained access to the water over the past two decades and has become one of the most important centers in the world for yacht production.

A total of 45 companies, 22 of them with foreign capital, are active in the yachting sector of the Antalya Free Zone, which receives luxury yachting orders from many parts of the world, including Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States and Russia. And the United States. Emirates (United Arab Emirates).

In the free zone, yachts ranging in length from 30 meters (98 feet) to 70 meters are being produced, becoming more active with the operating crane with a payload capacity of 560 tons.

The crane, which was assembled in February, launched or launched boats up to 60 meters in length from the early days of April after a trial run in March. As a result, the facility saw an increase in orders to manufacture, maintain and repair yachts.

The founder of the General Manager of Antalya Free Zone Company (ASBAŞ), Zeki Gurses, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that they have made significant investments in the shipyard to contribute more to the country’s economy. One of these major investments has been leverage, which is one of the most modern systems in the world.

Bells stressed that work in the free zone is increasing despite the outbreak of the epidemic and said: The crane, which provides great comfort in terms of occupational safety for large yachts, launched five boats on the first day of the operation.

In the first six months of last year, when the epidemic was more widespread, the total trade volume in the city’s free zone increased by 12% year-on-year from $ 351 million to $ 392 million.

Another important berth project, Gurses said, would be a lifting system that could launch yachts up to 2,000 tons in weight and 90 meters in length at sea.

This will be a very reliable system and it will be the first of its kind in Turkey. It is used in yacht maintenance and repair centers around the world. “We plan to start using it from the end of June,” he added.

“We will become a major shipyard with 45 yachts, winches and elevators,” said Gurs when he began work. He also noted that they are working to facilitate the flow of foreign currency not only into Antalya, but also into the country.

He added, “We are a preferred region in the Mediterranean to manufacture, maintain and repair yachts from abroad, especially in the Middle East.”

Gurses said that the yachts built over the past two decades have also increased the region’s appreciation and that with these new investments, the region will host more yachts and receive more orders.

Shipbuilding began in the region in 2000 and has since made Turkey the third largest in the world in yacht production, after Italy and the Netherlands. Since the early years, yachts up to 30 meters in length have been produced and the total length of all 460 yachts is 8,640 meters.

The longer the yacht, the greater the added value and contribution to the national economy.

“The new investments will bring great added value, dynamism and job opportunities to the country,” Gurses said.