5 Turkish Shipbuilders Making Waves in the Industry

The Best Yachts From Shipbuilders in Istanbul, Turkey.

Istanbul, Turkey has a long history in global trade and shipbuilding as the city was once the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. Turkey is the bridge between Asia and Europe; and Istanbul lies in a strategic location on the shores of the Marmara Sea, the Golden Horn, and the Bosporus. 

Over the (many) years, Turkish shipbuilding established an international reputation for producing technologically advanced boats largely credited to an experienced workforce. Today, shipbuilders such as Turquoise Yachts and Bilgin Yachts build some of the most impressive boats in the world.

In September 2021, Denison embarked on their annual shipyard tour in Europe. Past years took a team of yacht brokers to Italy, Germany, and Holland. This year, they visited Turkey, home to some of the most prestigious shipyards in the world. The tour helped Denison yacht brokers to gain a deeper understanding and first-hand experience of new products so they can recommend certain brands or models to clients.

Here are 5 Turkish shipbuilders making waves in the industry today.

Numarine

Located in Gebze, Turkey, Numarine hosts an expansive production facility with the capacity to build up to 50 motor yachts per year. The shipbuilder employs dedicated in-house departments for glass, upholstery, cabinetry, and metalwork — bringing everything in-house allows Numarine to execute the innovation and build of each yacht to the highest quality. Plus added flexibility for customization.

Denison represents Numarine’s Explorer range of luxury motor yachts, which includes the 22XP, 26XP, 32XP, 37XP, and 45XP. Each model delivers unmatched performance and comfort for entertaining friends or family while cruising the world. Just look at the Numarine 32XP — it has one of the best sundecks and best beach clubs in her size category.

The Turkish shipyard is proving to be popular in North America. In the past 12 months, Alex Clarke sold Hulls #2, #3, #4, and #5 of the Numarine 37XP.

Alpha Custom Yachts

Alpha Custom Yachts is the new kid on the block of Turkish shipyards. The boutique shipbuilder was founded by Roberto and Jorge Aboumrad in 2017. As experienced yachtsmen, the Abourmrad brothers noticed that traditional yacht designs did not always reflect the way the owner used the boat. So they partnered with experienced boat builders in Turkey and established Alpha Custom Yachts.

When Denison visited this new Turkish shipyard, the team was impressed with current builds under construction. What other shipbuilders have as options are considered standard features on all of Alpha’s offerings including heavy-duty deck gear, a pair of oversized pocket anchors, substantial stainless safety rails, and top-quality teak decks. David Johnson is the point of contact for Alpha Custom Yachts in North America.

Turquoise Yachts

Turquoise Yachts was established in 1997 by Proteksan Yachts Inc. and Turquoise Yacht Construction. The shipbuilder operates out of two yards on the outskirts of Istanbul. The shipyard in Pendik is used for interior outfitting, and the shipyard in Kocaeli is dedicated to steel and aluminum work. The innovative minds at Turquoise launched a floating dock to lift and transport yachts (up to 2500 tons) between the two yards during construction and outfitting.

An extraordinary example of a Turquoise yacht is QUANTUM OF SOLACE, a 238-foot superyacht valued at $60 million. It’s one of four yachts with a double-height atrium in the main salon. Just an example of the imagination and ingenuity coming from this Turkish shipyard.

Bilgin Yachts

Bilgin Yachts operates four shipyards throughout Istanbul to design and build custom superyachts. The Turkish shipyard employs over 400 highly-skilled craftsmen operating across its facilities so that about 90% of the manufacturing is completed in-house. Bilgin Yachts also operates its own marine stainless steel workshop and furniture design center that saves time and money during new builds.

During Denison’s shipyard tour of Bilgin Yachts, the team stepped on board the 80-meter superyacht TATIANA. She’s the first release in a series of three 80-meter superyachts under construction at Bilgin Yachts. TATIANA boasts a bullet-shaped bow and sporty profile complete with a two-level beach club, two pools, several bars, and a cinema.

Dunya Yachts

Dunya Yachts began as Ursa Shipyard in 1983. In 2005, current President Sedat Ergun transformed the shipyard into a powerhouse and renamed it Dunya (the Turkish word for “world”). Today, this Turkish shipyard completes new construction custom yachts up to 100 meters in length.

In 2013, Dunya launched an impressive 236-foot custom yacht called AXIOMA. Among the yacht’s many features are a two-story salon atrium, an owner’s deck with a private terrace, an infinity swimming pool, a gym, spa/steam room, and a 3D cinema. AXIOMA was listed with Denison for $80 million.

Video Highlights | Denison Shipyard Tour 2021

Every year, Denison completes a shipyard tour to learn more about specific brands, models, and products. This year, the team flew to Istanbul to be on the ground at some of the world’s biggest shipyards. Contact a Denison yacht broker to find your next Turkish-built yacht. 

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