A FOCUS AT THE SUPERYACHT SUMMIT TURKIYE: THE RISE OF TURKIYE IN THE GLOBAL YACHTING INDUSTRY
The Superyacht Summit Türkiye is on November 26-27, 2024 to spotlight the country’s rapidly growing role in the global yacht-building industry. As one of the top producers of luxury superyachts, Türkiye has proven itself to be a critical player not only in terms of volume but also innovation and craftsmanship.
This summit brings together key players, shipbuilders, designers, and industry experts to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and highlight the future of the yachting industry in the region. By hosting this event, we aim to ensure that Türkiye remains at the forefront of the industry, connecting its maritime legacy with modern superyacht production.
Türkiye's Dominance in the 40-50m Segment
According to Superyacht Intelligence, Türkiye now holds a commanding presence in the global yacht-building industry. It produces 6.8% of the superyacht fleet (vessels over 30 meters), and more impressively, it accounts for 64.4% of global builds in the 40m-50m segment. Additionally, around 31% of yachts between 40m and 60m are built in Turkish shipyards. This shows Türkiye’s expertise in mid-sized superyachts, and its shipyards are now expanding into larger-scale projects, including those over 70 meters.
The 2024 Global Order Book by Boat International revealed Türkiye as the second-largest superyacht building nation, surpassing the Netherlands. With 132 superyachts currently under construction and a total of 5,838 meters of production, Türkiye's growth rate stands at 40% year-on-year. Its total gross tonnage for 2024 is 73,011 GT, with an average of 553 GT per project—well above the global average. These figures reflect both Türkiye’s increasing output and its ability to attract larger, more ambitious orders.
Despite its rapid growth, Turkish shipyards maintain high standards of craftsmanship and innovation. Major players such as AKYACHT, Mengi Yay, Bilgin Yachts, Sirena and Numarine have continued to push the envelope, offering cutting-edge designs that meet the evolving demands of luxury yacht owners.
For instance, Bilgin Yachts, renowned for its innovative approach, recently announced the Bilgin 170 series, leading to their goal of having 15 projects by 2025. This series boasts sleek, contemporary designs with a focus on both performance and luxury. The first Bilgin 170 model is scheduled for delivery in 2025, with additional builds set to follow. Bilgin Yachts’ new 60-meter and 80-meter projects are also underway, showcasing their ambition to be a leader in the large-yacht segment.
Driven by post-pandemic demand, Türkiye’s shipyards have ramped up production and capital investments to keep pace with global market trends. The country's reputation is not only for quantity but also for the high level of craftsmanship and forward-thinking design. By constantly improving infrastructure and nurturing key industry players, Türkiye is on track to become a central hub in the superyacht world.
Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun, Managing Director of Ares Yachts, -also a speaker in 2024 Superyacht Summit Türkiye- underscores Türkiye's pivotal role in advancing innovation in the superyacht industry. She states, "The next big innovation or shift in yachting will likely revolve around sustainability and the integration of advanced technologies, reshaping both the environmental and experiential aspects of yacht ownership." Piraye envisions transformative changes in zero-emission yachts, autonomous technologies, and sustainable materials that will redefine the future of yachting. With these advancements, Türkiye is set to lead in delivering more personalized, eco-conscious yachting experiences.
The Superyacht Summit Türkiye offers an opportunity for industry professionals to explore new trends, establish collaborations, and understand Türkiye’s unique contributions to the future of superyacht production. With 132 superyachts currently in the works, this eastern Mediterranean powerhouse continues to redefine its role in the global yachting industry.
Don't miss the chance to be part of the Superyacht Summit Türkiye! Reserve your spot today to connect with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge trends, and witness the future of superyacht production. Secure your place now and be at the heart of Türkiye’s booming yachting industry!