LUXUO and Yacht Style Vietnam recently organized the "Summer Wanderlust 2024 Cruise" in Van Phuc City, Vietnam, showcasing the growing Turkish yachting industry. Turkey, quietly climbing the ranks in the yachting world, has become a force to be reckoned with in superyacht construction and the charter market.
Turkey ranked fourth in superyacht construction in 2022, with 102 units and a total length of 4,167m. In 2024, the country has 132 boats on order, totaling 5,838m in length, surpassing the Netherlands and now second only to Italy. Nurettin Çalışkan from the Turkish Shipbuilding Association highlights Turkey's 600-year history of shipbuilding and its world-quality construction.
Famous international builders have established production yards in Turkey, and domestic brands like Numarine and Turquoise are becoming well-known in the boating world. Turkish shipyards also handle refits for yachts from renowned names such as Benetti, Heesen, and Ferretti.
Shipyards along the Marmara coast near Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen Airport have a long-standing tradition of shipbuilding. Additionally, the Antalya Free Trade Zone has become a major hub for boat and shipbuilding.
Turkey's highly trained workforce and affordable cost structure provide a competitive advantage. Over the past two decades, the industry has shifted from commercial vessel-making to leisure marine boat building. Notable Turkish yards include Turquoise Yachts, which has delivered 20 fully-custom yachts between 40m and 77m, and Aegean Yachts, known for their well-designed explorer yachts.
Turkish yards initially focused on building gulets, traditional sailing vessels used for fishing and trading along the southwest coast. In the 1970s, these gulets were transformed into luxurious charter accommodations, offering visitors a unique experience of Turkish culture and coastline.
