Turkey is the World’s Yacht Destination

In the ship, yacht and services sector, where a total of 1 billion 453 million dollars of exports were made in 2022, an export record of 550 million dollars was achieved as of mid-June 2023. Exports in this area are calculated from the income of yacht and ship construction completed during the year.

Türkiye, which has an important position in mega yacht construction and exports, also attracts great attention from tourist groups in this area, as the coastal regions stand out in boat holidays. Especially Bodrum – Göcek bays host a wide range of boats, from small boats of 5 – 6 meters to motor yachts of 25 – 50 meters, to mega yachts with lengths reaching and exceeding 100 meters. At the same time, the production, design and renewal of all these yacht groups are carried out in Türkiye. Sharing the information that there are a significant number of mega yacht projects in the production phase, the manufacturers state that the construction of the projects that will be delivered this year and in the coming years continues.

‘IT IS BECOMING THE CENTER’

Ship, Yacht and Services Exporters Association (GYHİB) President Cem Seven explains that Turkey is on its way to becoming a center in the yacht refurbishment market as well as production, and said: “Some yacht owners want to make changes to their existing yachts by renovating them instead of ordering a new yacht. These demands bring a different type of manufacturing to the agenda as well as new construction, thus providing foreign exchange earning service status for our country. “In the medium and long term, Turkey is likely to become an important repair and maintenance center, especially on the Aegean side,” he said.

IT REACHED A SIZE OF $5.5 BILLION

Murat Bekiroğlu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Yacht and Boat Industry Association (YATED), stated that the success of Turkish manufacturers, especially in the ‘custom-made’ mega yacht class, is known worldwide. He often announces his name. The size of the sector in Turkey is 450 million euros in annual yacht buying and selling. Including the sub-industry, the economic size exceeds 5 – 5.5 billion dollars. “The average annual growth in the market is 20 percent,” he said.

FAMOUS GREEK COMPANY DROPPED IN BODRUM

The visit of yachts from all over the world to Turkey, especially Bodrum, also attracted attention in Greece, the assertive maritime country. BFG Provisions, the famous yacht service company based in Greece, decided to open its first office in Turkey in Bodrum. The company, which supplies especially mega yachts, is also famous for having chefs working in Michelin star restaurants… BFG Provisions CEO Jean Pierre Neal said in his statement about the Bodrum move, “Opening to Bodrum is an indication of our determination to meet the needs of our customers.”