Türkiye’s Maritime Export Champions Receive Their Awards

The Ship, Yacht and Services Exporters’ Association (GYHİB) honoured the most successful companies of the Turkish maritime industry following the sector’s record-breaking export performance of USD 2.243 billion in 2025.

The “Award on Water” Successful Exporters Awards Ceremony, organised at the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) Foreign Trade Complex, brought together the leading representatives of the maritime and shipbuilding industries. Companies ranking among the top three in seven sub-sectors, as well as the top 10 exporters in the overall union ranking, received their awards during the ceremony.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Durmuş Ünüvar, Director General of Shipyards and Coastal Structures Salih Tan, Director General of Coastal Safety Mustafa Bankaoğlu, TİM President Mustafa Gültepe, İMEAK Chamber of Shipping Assembly Chairman Başaran Bayrak, GYHİB Chairman Mustafa Talha Pepe, Istanbul Exporters’ Associations Coordinator Chairman Erkan Özkan, YATGİAŞ Chairman Şükrü Fazıl Uzun, TURMEPA Chairman Şadan Kaptanoğlu, and numerous sector representatives.

A total of 31 awards were presented across seven categories, including Fishing Vessels, Yachts Over 24 Metres, Yachts Under 24 Metres, Tugboats, Cargo Ships and Other Marine Vehicles, Ferries and Passenger Vessels, and Marine Sub-Industry Exports.

Deputy Minister Ünüvar: “Our Shipyards Have Become Innovation Centres”

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Durmuş Ünüvar highlighted that the Turkish maritime industry achieved a historic export record in 2025, growing by 17.38 percent compared to the previous year.

Ünüvar stated that the ship and yacht industry ranked as the second-fastest export-growing sector among all industries in Türkiye and the leading sector among industrial industries.

He emphasised that Turkish shipyards are no longer merely production facilities but have evolved into design and innovation centres exporting high value-added systems and advanced engineering solutions to global markets.

Gültepe: “Türkiye Is Among the World’s Top 10 Ship and Yacht Exporters”

Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) President Mustafa Gültepe stated that the sector’s 1.5 percent share in global trade exceeds Türkiye’s overall export average and noted that Türkiye has become one of the world’s top 10 ship and yacht exporting countries.

Gültepe underlined that Türkiye is the global leader in fishing vessel exports and ranks among the world’s top four countries in tugboat production.

He added that, with increasing production capacity and ongoing investments, the sector has the potential to reach USD 3.5 billion in exports in the short term.

Pepe: “The USD 2.243 Billion Export Figure Excludes Defence and Repair Activities”

GYHİB Chairman Mustafa Talha Pepe stated that the sector achieved exports worth USD 2.243 billion in 2025, noting that this figure does not include defence vessel construction, repair-maintenance services, or exports from free zones.

Pepe said the industry’s success is driven by strong engineering capabilities, qualified workforce, and flexible production structures.

He emphasised that Türkiye has become a globally important player particularly in fishing vessels, tugboats, and mega yacht construction, while Turkish companies continue demonstrating strong adaptability to international regulations in project-based specialised vessel production.

“Support Mechanisms Must Be Strengthened for Sustainable Growth”

Pepe also highlighted the increasingly challenging global competition environment, particularly due to the pressure created by exchange rate and inflation dynamics on price competitiveness.

He stated that the Turkish shipbuilding and yacht industry continues to maintain its competitive advantages through quality, speed, flexibility, and engineering strength, but added that stronger support mechanisms are needed to ensure the sustainability of current achievements and future growth.

According to Pepe, strengthening shipbuilding incentive mechanisms similar to those implemented by competing countries is becoming critically important for the future of the sector.

Sefine Denizcilik Became the Export Champion of 2025

Sefine Denizcilik Tersanecilik ranked first in the overall export ranking for 2025, followed by Sanmar Denizcilik in second place and Med Marine in third.

Cemre Tersanesi, Cemre Marin, Bilgin Yachting, Sirena Marine, Tersan Tersanecilik, Numarine, and HAT-SAN also ranked among the industry’s leading exporters.

Leaders by Sub-Sector – 2025

* Fishing Vessel Exports: Sefine Denizcilik

* Tugboat Exports: Sanmar Denizcilik

* Yachts Over 24 Metres: Bilgin Yachting

* Yachts Under 24 Metres: Sirena Marine

* Ferries and Passenger Vessels: Cemre Shipyard

* Cargo Ships and Other Marine Vehicles: Cemre Marin

* Marine Sub-Industry Exports: DATA Hidrolik Makina

Top 10 Exporters Overall – 2025

1. Sefine Denizcilik Tersanecilik

2. Sanmar Denizcilik

3. Med Marine

4. Cemre Shipyard

5. Cemre Marin Endüstri

6. Bilgin Yachting

7. Sirena Marine

8. Tersan Tersanecilik

9. Numarine

10. HAT-SAN Shipbuilding Repair & Maintenance