Top Turkish Shipyards for Repair and New Shipbuilding
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Turkey operates more than 120 active shipyards, yet only a small group consistently attracts international owners, navies, and offshore operators. These yards stand out not because of hype, but because they deliver on time, understand complex regulations, and know how to work with foreign clients.
This guide breaks down the top 15 Turkish shipyards, what they actually do best, and what you should know before signing a contract in Türkiye in 2026. Turkey is now the world’s second-largest superyacht builder after Italy, having overtaken the Netherlands, and the best yards have waiting lists that stretch into 2028.
Top 15 Turkish Shipyards
1. Aegean Yacht Builder
Based in Bodrum and Antalya, Aegean Yacht Builder focuses on custom steel and aluminum yachts built for long-range cruising. The yard is known for owner-direct projects, where buyers stay closely involved throughout construction.
Latest: Its current flagship is Project Haifa (AEGEAN 66), a 66-meter yacht, and the keel of the 41-meter Project Obsidian Blade was laid in late 2025, so the order book is full.
- Established: 1976
- Locations: Bodrum, Antalya
- Specialization: Custom steel & aluminum yachts
- Fleet: 50+ yachts delivered worldwide
2. Tersan Shipyard
Tersan is one of Türkiye’s most export-driven shipyards, with facilities in Yalova and Istanbul. It builds everything from fishing vessels to offshore and specialized commercial ships, often for Northern European clients.
Latest: Tersan also bought the Havyard Leirvik shipyard in Norway, giving it its own production site in Scandinavia; it is a first address for complex offshore vessels and ferries built to Nordic standards.
- Facilities: Yalova, Istanbul
- Vessels: Fishing, offshore, special-purpose ships
- Strength: Advanced production systems with in-house engineering
3. Sedef Shipyard
Sedef Shipyard operates one of the largest private shipbuilding facilities in Türkiye. It is heavily involved in naval construction, large commercial projects, and complex refits.
Latest: Its yard covers about 270,000 m², built for large commercial and naval platforms.
- Founded: 1972
- Projects: 200+ completed vessels
- Focus: Naval ships, commercial vessels, conversions
4. Sefine Shipyard
Sefine Shipyard in Yalova is known for efficient project management and clean builds. The yard frequently delivers general cargo vessels and specialized fish carriers for international operators.
Latest: It scores particularly well on conversions and repairs, such as extending a freighter’s life or retrofitting it for new environmental rules.
- Established: 2005
- Location: Yalova
- Portfolio: Cargo vessels, live fish carriers, tankers
5. Cemre Shipyard
Cemre Shipyard has built a strong reputation in fishing vessels, ferries, and eco-friendly designs. Scandinavian owners frequently work with Cemre due to its compliance standards.
Latest: Cemre focuses heavily on hybrid and electric propulsion for Northern European owners, so it belongs on any shortlist where sustainability matters.
- Founded: 2006
- Location: Yalova
- Specialization: Fishing vessels, ferries, green designs
6. Yonca Shipyard
Yonca Shipyard is a leader in composite hull technology. Its high-speed patrol and military craft are widely used by defense forces and coast guards.
Latest: Recent work includes the SANCAR unmanned surface vessel, developed with HAVELSAN.
- Established: 1986
- Location: Istanbul
- Expertise: Composite military and patrol boats
7. Dunya Yachts
Dunya Yachts builds large custom superyachts with a focus on steel hulls and long-range capability. Its projects are typically one-off builds for experienced yacht owners.
Latest: Its best-known build is the 72-meter Axioma, still a benchmark for the top end of the market after an extensive refit.
- Founded: 1983
- Specialization: Custom superyachts
- Notable Yacht: Axioma
8. Uzmar Shipyards
Uzmar specializes in tugboats, pilot boats, and workboats. Its vessels operate in ports and terminals across more than 25 countries.
Latest: Recent deliveries include the TIGER escort tug for Italy and the hybrid tug Balahu.
- Founded: 1980s
- Location: Kocaeli
- Deliveries: 200+ vessels globally
9. Numarine Yachts
Numarine focuses on performance-oriented explorer yachts. The XP series remains popular with owners who want long-range capability without sacrificing speed.
Latest: In late 2025 Patrik von Sydow returned as CEO, with founder Ömer Malaz as chairman. Order books are full: a new 45XP ordered today is unlikely to be delivered before 2027–2028.
- Founder: Ömer Malaz
- Location: Kocaeli
- Models: 22XP, 37XP, 45XP
10. Sirena Marine Yachts
Sirena produces semi-custom motor yachts aimed at owner-operators. Its collaboration history with Italian designers still influences current models.
Latest: Its partnership with Azimut Benetti ended in 2015; Sirena now operates independently and has moved into superyachts with the Sirena 118.
- Established: 2006
- Focus: Semi-custom motor yachts
- Market: Europe, US, Middle East
11. Ada Shipyard
Ada Shipyard delivers commercial vessels and naval projects with a strong focus on quality control and compliance with international class rules.
- Founded: 2002
- Location: Istanbul
- Focus: Commercial and defense vessels
12. Anadolu Shipyard
Anadolu Shipyard is a long-established defense contractor, supplying naval vessels and support ships for domestic and allied navies.
Latest: In March 2025 it launched the first vessel of its new Landing Craft Tank (LCT) project, and it exports amphibious know-how to navies such as Qatar’s.
- Founded: 1950s
- Location: Istanbul
- Specialization: Naval vessels
13. Ares Shipyard
Ares Shipyard in Antalya builds fast patrol boats, unmanned surface vessels, and commercial craft, often for export markets.
Latest: On the defense side its ULAQ unmanned boats are entering Turkish Navy service; under the ARES Yachts brand it launched the 62-meter superyacht SIMENA in July 2025.
- Founded: 2006
- Location: Antalya
- Capabilities: Military and commercial vessels
14. Argem Shipyard
Argem Shipyard focuses on small to mid-size commercial vessels and refit projects, serving regional operators in the Marmara Sea.
Latest: Argem is also strong in interiors and finishing, often the deciding factor for yacht owners.
- Founded: 1999
- Location: Istanbul
- Work: New builds and repairs
15. Ark Yacht
Ark Yacht produces boutique yacht projects, emphasizing custom interiors and owner-driven layouts rather than volume production.
Latest: It is particularly strong in classic schooners and yachts with a retro look and modern systems on board.
- Specialization: Custom yachts
- Focus: Design-driven builds
What Changed for Shipyards in Türkiye
As of January 2026, shipyards and repair facilities must comply with stricter pollution liability insurance rules. Environmental fines increased by roughly 25%, and anchoring or berthing fees now rise sharply after seven days.
Insider tip: foreign-flagged vessels pay higher daily port and anchorage fees, calculated in USD. If your project allows, temporary Turkish flag registration can reduce operating costs.
Which Shipyard Fits You?
- Superyacht buyers: Numarine (performance and explorer yachts), Dunya (ultra-luxury), Aegean (custom steel).
- Commercial shipowners: Tersan (high-tech, with its Norwegian yard), Uzmar (tugs), Sefine (conversions and repairs).
- Military and government: Ares, Yonca, Sedef and Anadolu.
Reserve build slots early: global demand for Turkish-built vessels keeps rising. Before signing an international contract, read our guide to the legalization of foreign documents in Turkey.
TL;DR
Türkiye is not among the world’s top three shipbuilding nations by volume, but it remains a strong regional hub for yachts, naval vessels, and specialized commercial ships. These 15 shipyards stand out for reliability, export experience, and technical depth.
