Trabzon Shipyard: The Maritime Hub of the Eastern Black Sea.
Located in the Çamburnu region of Sürmene, Trabzon, Trabzon Shipyard serves a wide range of vessel types, including dry cargo ships, offshore river-type vessels, product and chemical tankers, and multi-purpose dredgers.
The Trabzon Shipyard, located in the Çamburnu region of Sürmene, Trabzon, provides services for a wide range of vessel types, including dry cargo ships, offshore river-type vessels, product and chemical tankers, and multi-purpose dredgers. Özgür Barış, the Business Development Director of Trabzon Shipyard, states, “To enhance our competitive edge in the international market, we focus on cost advantages, fast delivery, flexible solutions, and customer satisfaction. Trabzon Shipyard actively develops partnerships in regions such as Northern Europe, the broader European market, and the Middle East.”
Barış also highlights the strategic location of the shipyard, which is approximately 40 minutes from Trabzon Airport, providing convenience for both clients and business partners. He emphasizes that the shipyard specializes in complex engineering projects, including retrofit modifications, damage repairs, and outfitting projects. “Our high-capacity, long-term projects are carried out seamlessly, thanks to the ample size of our shipyard and the large docking capacity, allowing us to execute maintenance and repair work without disruption. All technical operations are performed by expert shipyard teams on time and under warranty. Additionally, we provide comprehensive shipbuilding and ship maintenance services.”
Trabzon Shipyard: A Key Maritime Hub in the Black Sea
Captain Özgür Barış highlights the strategic location of Trabzon Shipyard in the Çamburnu region of Sürmene, one of the leading shipyards in the Black Sea. “With Trabzon Airport just 40 minutes away, our shipyard offers significant logistical and transportation advantages. It has become not only a key shipbuilding and maintenance center in Turkey but also a major hub within the Black Sea basin,” he stated.
Trabzon Sürmene Shipyards – History and Significance
What is the history of the Trabzon Sürmene Shipyards? What is their background?
The Trabzon Sürmene Shipyards have long been a significant part of the maritime heritage of the Black Sea region. During the Ottoman era, Sürmene was renowned for its wooden shipbuilding industry. Skilled craftsmen from coastal villages constructed sailing vessels and small boats using traditional techniques.
With the establishment of the Turkish Republic, these local shipbuilding skills evolved into a more modern industry. By the 20th century, the Sürmene shipyards underwent a major transformation, shifting from wooden shipbuilding to steel and modern vessel construction. Today, Sürmene shipyards are home to specialized facilities focused on both shipbuilding and repair, making them a key player in the maritime sector.
Why Are These Shipyards So Important for the Region?
The Sürmene shipyards play a crucial role in the economic and strategic significance of the Black Sea region. Firstly, they provide essential infrastructure to support the region's maritime trade and fishing industry. Additionally, they create local employment opportunities in the fields of shipbuilding and maritime services. Moreover, their proximity to international trade routes in the Black Sea makes Sürmene shipyards a preferred choice. With their ship maintenance and repair services, they cater to both local and international clients.
What Is the Future of Sürmene Shipyards?
Sürmene shipyards hold great potential for the future, thanks to their innovative approaches and technological advancements. The increasing trade volume in the Black Sea will further enhance their strategic importance. Additionally, investments in green maritime technologies and international collaborations could position Sürmene as not just a regional but a global player. Every step taken today contributes to writing a new chapter in the region’s maritime history.
What Are the Effects of the Shipyards Beyond the Maritime Sector?
The impact of the Sürmene shipyards is not limited to the maritime industry. These facilities bring economic vitality to the region and contribute to the development of a skilled workforce. They also indirectly support the tourism sector, as shipyards attract interest both from a historical and technical perspective. In other words, the influence of Sürmene shipyards extends far beyond shipbuilding, reaching into agriculture, tourism, and industry
Expertise in Challenging Projects
Captain Barış stated that Trabzon Shipyard provides a wide range of services, from offshore river-type dry cargo vessels to tankers, fishing vessels, and special projects. He also shared that the shipyard is planning to commission a 150-meter floating dock in 2026.
“Our shipyard has specialized in complex refurbishment projects that require advanced engineering. Thanks to our 155-meter-long and 50-meter-wide inclined slipways, we can provide balloon-assisted slipping services for small and medium-tonnage vessels,” he added.
Tailor-Made Solutions in New Shipbuilding
Captain Barış emphasized that Trabzon Shipyard has extensive experience and infrastructure in building various types of vessels, including fishing boats, tankers, dry cargo, and river-type ships.
“We offer customized solutions to our clients and follow a comprehensive strategy in new shipbuilding projects, including the construction of our floating dock. Currently, we are continuing the construction of a 10,700 DWT offshore/river-type vessel,” he stated.
Innovation and Eco-Friendly Approaches
Captain Barış emphasized that Trabzon Shipyard stands out in shipbuilding with its advanced engineering capabilities and integration of new technologies.
“It also takes the lead in environmentally friendly shipbuilding processes. By using materials and production methods that minimize carbon emissions, the shipyard adopts sustainability policies and implements waste management and energy efficiency practices that go beyond industry standards,” he stated.
Global Competitiveness and Strategies
Speaking about Trabzon Shipyard’s international expansion, Captain Barış said,
“To strengthen its competitive edge in the global market, Trabzon Shipyard follows strategies focused on cost efficiency, fast delivery, flexible solutions, and customer satisfaction. The shipyard is actively developing partnerships in regions such as Northern Europe, Europe, and the Middle East.”
The Goal: To Be Recognized as a Reliable and Eco-Friendly Shipyard
Highlighting Trabzon Shipyard’s commitment to training skilled engineers and technicians through close collaboration with local universities and industry students, Captain Barış stated,
“Our future goals include expanding the shipyard, focusing on eco-friendly projects, and strengthening international partnerships. With its technological infrastructure, strategic location, and customer-oriented approach, Trabzon Shipyard continues to add value to the maritime industry. The ultimate aim is to be recognized both nationally and internationally as a reliable and environmentally friendly shipyard.”
The Turkish Shipbuilding Industry: A Global Player
Sharing his views on the state of the Turkish shipbuilding industry, Captain Barış stated:
“Despite the increasingly competitive global market conditions, the Turkish shipbuilding industry has secured a strong position thanks to its flexible production capabilities, strategic location, and skilled workforce. Serving as a logistical bridge between Europe and Asia significantly contributes to the sector’s growth. Turkish shipyards are actively engaged in international projects, building tankers, fishing vessels, river ships, and LNG vessels, while also standing out with their environmentally friendly practices. This has positioned Turkey as both a regional and global player in the shipbuilding industry.”
Fast Delivery Times and Customized Solutions
Commenting on the supply, demand, and capacity of the Turkish shipbuilding sector, Captain Barış said:
“The industry is expanding in response to the growing volume of global trade and the increasing demand for eco-friendly ship projects. There is particularly high demand in segments such as dry bulk carriers, tankers, and fishing vessels. However, while some shipyards have reached full capacity, new investments aim to further increase this capacity. Turkish shipyards attract international customers with their fast delivery times and customized solutions. However, to compete with global rivals, the sector needs to focus more on innovation, advanced engineering solutions, and sustainability practices.”
Key Needs of the Shipbuilding Industry
Listing the fundamental needs of the Turkish shipbuilding industry, Captain Barış emphasized:
- Technological Investments: Investing in advanced technology is crucial for adopting more modern and eco-friendly production methods.
- Financing and Incentives: Special incentive packages and low-interest financing models for the sector will enhance international competitiveness.
- Skilled Workforce: Collaboration between universities and industry is essential to train highly qualified engineers and technicians.
- Marketing and Branding: A strong branding strategy is needed to increase the global visibility of Turkish shipyards.
- Sustainability: The industry should adopt an approach focused on reducing its carbon footprint and developing environmentally friendly projects.
