TURKISH SHIPBUILDING INDUSTRY

With an increasing demand for Turkish yachts, its future export potential is skyrocketing. Total exports for the fiscal year of 2009 tallied up to $1.8 billion, with the main export commodities being cruise ships, cargo ships, and personal crafts. Its skilled workforce in addition to its state of the art shipbuilding facilities put Turkey on the map with one of the most lucrative shipping industries globally. Annually, the Turkey’s shipbuilding industry generates a remarkable $2.5 billion in revenue, bolstering the economy. Currently ranked the 5th overall shipbuilding country in the world, Turkey offers its premium quality ships at cost effective prices. By increasing its total yacht exports and refining the century’s old industry, Turkey attains the ability to produce some of the finest and most luxurious vessels to date. This thanks to its maritime location as well as its vast experience in the industry.

Surrounded by the Aegean, Black, and Mediterranean seas, Turkey has cultivated a rich tradition with its marine proximity. The art of shipbuilding in Turkey dates back over 600 years, to the time of the Ottoman Empire. The first known Turkish shipyard was erected in 1390 in the town of Gelibolu. By the turn of the 16th century, Turkey had made vast strides in the craft, boasting the largest shipyards in the world.

Turkey’s shipbuilding industry has increasingly gained recognition in the public sphere since the early 1990’s. Today, some of the most technologically advanced shipyards in addition to a skilled work force can be found in Turkey. Here at these facilities yachts, mega yachts, and sailboats, both for public and recreational use are built. These plants are located around the European coasts of Turkey, such as the Tuzla region. In the past five years, Turkey has developed into the 5th largest shipbuilding country in the world, manufacturing some of the finest vessels globally. All ships produced in Turkey are put through rigorous inspection, as Turkey abides by international guidelines, such as ISO 9000, that keep high standards of quality a priority.

The shipbuilding industry raises a substantial amount of revenue for the Turkish economy. Every year, a gross revenue of $2.5 billion is complied, including both new ship construction as well as maintenance and repair. The industry also provides a helping hand with employment, producing roughly 25,000 jobs and another 100,000 in related industries.

Turkey has excelled in its production of chemical tankers, becoming the largest producer to Europe. In addition it has gained the prestige of being internationally ranked for its production of mega yachts (yachts longer than 25 m).