One of Turkey’s most established and respected shipyards, Sedef Shipyard, has officially announced its entry into the yacht-building sector, expanding its scope of operations. The shipyard’s first venture in this new journey is a double-masted sailing yacht. Designed with an aluminum hull and measuring 44 meters in length, the construction of this bespoke yacht has begun under the project code NB222.

One of the most critical milestones of the project, known as the “turnover operation,” has been successfully completed. This operation, which involves flipping the yacht’s hull to allow the next phases of construction to proceed, is a technical process that stands out as a key step in yacht building. Sedef Shipyard’s move into this field showcases its ambition to leverage its deep shipbuilding expertise into the luxury yacht market, marking its entry into a new arena. In a statement from the shipyard’s management, they said, “We are proud to bring our decades-long experience in the maritime industry into a new realm. We have flawlessly completed the turnover operation of this double-masted, aluminum-hulled, 44-meter custom yacht. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our team members who contributed to this project.” Recognized as a pivotal stage in yacht construction, the turnover operation lays the foundation for the hull’s strength, balance mechanism, and structural integrity. Experts emphasize that completing this phase without issues directly impacts the yacht’s quality and reliability in subsequent stages. Sedef Shipyard’s success in this initial yacht project is seen as proof of its bold entry into the sector.

Nevzat Kalkavan, Chairman of the Board of Turkon Holding, the parent company of Sedef Shipyard, commented on the transition to yacht production: “We are setting sail into a new field with a new vessel. Bringing this project to life is both a challenge and a great source of joy for us. May it bring good fortune to all!” Kaşif Kalkavan, the Yacht Division Coordinator at Sedef Shipyard, shared his thoughts as well: “Building yachts has been a dream of mine since childhood. I’m thrilled to have the chance to turn that dream into reality now. For Sedef Shipyard, this is an entirely new experience. The fact that our first yacht is a sailing model adds a unique elegance and meaning to the project.”

To date, Sedef Shipyard has made a name for itself by producing a wide range of vessels, from military ships to tugboats, ferries, and massive commercial ships. Now, by stepping into the luxury yacht sector, it aims to extend its expertise into a different dimension. Industry analysts note that luxury yacht production holds significant economic potential for Turkey’s shipbuilding industry. In recent years, Turkey has emerged as a notable hub for yacht production, particularly for the Mediterranean and European markets. Sedef Shipyard’s entry into this space could further intensify competition both locally and globally. With its robust infrastructure and technical capabilities, the shipyard appears well-positioned to carve out a strong presence in the international market. Shipyard officials also revealed plans to launch new yacht projects of varying sizes amd features following the completion of NB222.

Sedef Shipyard’s foray into yacht building is regarded as a harbinger of a new chapter in Turkey’s ship and yacht industry. This move once again highlights the diversity and strength of the nation’s maritime sector. About Sedef Shipyard: As one of Turkey’s largest private-sector shipyards, Sedef also boasts the country’s most expansive dry dock in terms of volume. Operating across a total area of 270,000 m², it includes a 194,000 m² main facility in Tuzla and a 76,000 m² auxiliary site in Orhanlı. The Tuzla facility features 51,000 m² of enclosed production space, while the Orhanlı site offers an additional 12,000 m² of covered area. This vast infrastructure solidifies its position as a leader in the industry.