RMK Marine begins construction of new shipyard
by RMK Yachts 20 Feb 02:57 PST
RMK Marine shipyard © RMK Yachts
RMK Marine has commenced construction of its new shipyard dedicated exclusively to yacht building in Yalova, located just outside Istanbul. Positioned directly on the waterfront and covering a total area of 70,000 square metres, the new facility is set to establish a new benchmark for yacht production in Türkiye through its architectural vision, advanced technical infrastructure and sustainability-driven philosophy.
With this new investment, the RMK Marine Tuzla facilities will focus exclusively on commercial and military projects. In this way, both yacht and shipbuilding capacities will be significantly increased through separate, specialized facilities. RMK Yachts will also be positioned as a global brand and a strong player in the megayacht market.
Relocation to the RMK Yachts Yalova Shipyard is planned to begin in the final quarter of 2026, with full operational capacity targeted for 2027.
Holistic vision
The new shipyard has been conceived with a deep understanding of the unique sensitivities of yacht construction, where aesthetic excellence, uncompromising quality standards, engineering precision and long-term operational performance converge. From architectural layout and production flow to human-centred design and material logistics, every aspect of the facility has been developed through a fully integrated and holistic approach.
"The true value of a shipyard is not defined by its machinery, but by the intellect, craftsmanship and creativity it produces. The new spirit of RMK Yachts is rooted precisely in this perspective," Cüneyt Okcu, Director of RMK Yachts, describes the company's vision.
Designed as a place where culture is created alongside yachts, the new RMK Yachts shipyard brings together offices inspired by the spirit of maritime, state-of-the-art production workshops and hangars, as well as a comprehensive range of social facilities. These include purpose-designed gyms, cafes, training and relaxation areas for personnel, guest suites, and dedicated hospitality spaces for owners and partners.
Further reinforcing the ambition to create one of Türkiye's most advanced yacht production campuses, the development will also feature a yachting museum created in collaboration with Rahmi M. Koç Museum, alongside docking and marina services covering approximately 5,000 square metres, developed in partnership with Setur Marina.
Sustainability and green transformation
Designed in line with LEED certification standards, the new facility places sustainability, renewable energy use and low-carbon operations at the heart of its development. Energy efficiency, environmentally responsible production methods and a long-term ecological mindset form the structural foundations of the shipyard, addressing not only today's industrial requirements but also the expectations of future generations. Construction of the new RMK Yachts shipyard is being undertaken by Ark Insaat, a Koç Holding company.
The facility will comprise three 30 x 120-metre hangars dedicated to new-build projects, as well as one 40 x 80-metre and one 35 x 55-metre hangar for refit operations.
These are complemented by a 10,000-square-metre open refit area and a total quay length of 700 metres, providing extensive operational flexibility. Launch and haul-out operations will be supported by two travel lifts with capacities of 720 tonnes and 320 tonnes. As part of the investment, a floating dock will allow for the safe and efficient handling of vessels up to 150 metres in length.
RMK Marine CEO Dr. Utku Alanç expressed this strategic investment plan with the following words: "With this new investment project, our facilities in Tuzla, Istanbul will focus entirely on commercial and military projects. In this way, we will significantly increase both our yacht and shipbuilding capacities through separate, specialized facilities. With these two dedicated facilities, our goal is not only to expand capacity but also to establish deeply rooted and highly specialized production cultures in each field."
RMK Yachts aims to leave a sustainable and enduring imprint on the global yachting industry with its new shipyard designed to set a benchmark for the future, preserve its value over time, and continuously reinvent itself.