Damen Delivers New SAR Vessels to Turkish Coast Guard
Damen, IOM, the Turkish Coast Guard and the European Union launched the new SAR vessel project with a kick-off meeting in Antalya.
A kick-off meeting was recently held in Antalya for the new SAR vessel order, attended by Damen, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Turkish Coast Guard Command (TURCG), the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM), the European Union Delegation to Türkiye, the Netherlands Embassy, and Damen Shipyards Group. The meeting followed the signing of a contract between Damen and IOM for the delivery of 13 SAR 1906 search and rescue vessels to be operated by the Turkish Coast Guard. The project is funded by the European Union under the program “Improving the Turkish Coast Guard’s Operational Capacity through the Supply of Search and Rescue Boats.”
Damen had previously delivered six SAR 1906 vessels in 2016 and nine more in 2019, also within EU-supported IOM projects. The newly ordered 13 vessels will be delivered in 2027 and 2028.
Built in Türkiye for Türkiye
All vessels will be constructed at Damen Shipyards Antalya, located in the Antalya Free Zone, where Damen has been operating since 2013. The yard delivers around 28 vessels per year, supported by skilled local engineers and technicians as well as the regional maritime supply chain.
Damen Regional Sales Director Emre Turkoz said: “I am very grateful for the trust once again placed in Damen for the construction of these new SAR vessels. I look forward to further strengthening our partnership with IOM, the Turkish Coast Guard, and the European Union in the coming years.”
SAR 1906: Ready for Harsh Conditions
The SAR 1906 is a lightweight aluminium vessel with a composite superstructure, measuring 19.5 meters in length and 6.5 meters in width. Capable of reaching speeds up to 30 knots, it is designed to operate in all weather conditions. Current vessels have demonstrated over 90% operational availability. The craft can self-right within seconds in case of capsizing.
Thanks to Damen’s Sea Axe bow design, the vessel offers low resistance and high fuel efficiency. In addition to a crew of six, it can carry up to 120 rescued survivors. To date, SAR 1906 vessels already in service in Türkiye have contributed to saving more than 27,000 lives.
