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Company History

Turquoise Yachts is one of the best-known names in large custom yacht construction from Turkey, with a lineage that traces back to the rapid expansion of the country’s modern boatbuilding sector in the 1990s. The company emerged on the world stage through the combination of two Turkish yacht-building entities—Proteksan Yachts and Turquoise Yacht Construction—whose merger in 1997 created the brand Proteksan-Turquoise. Through the late 1990s and 2000s, the yard steadily built a reputation for delivering robust, ocean‑going superyachts with refined interiors, helping to position Turkey as a credible alternative to Northern European builders for high‑quality custom projects above 40 meters.

A key inflection point for the business arrived in the mid‑2010s. In 2014, a majority stake in the company was acquired by MB Holding Company LLC, the private investment group chaired by Dr. Mohammed Al Barwani. With the new investment came a focused strategy to upgrade the brand, further professionalize industrial processes, and broaden international reach. The company was subsequently rebranded as Turquoise Yachts, signaling continuity with its successful past while clarifying its market identity under new ownership. The rebrand also coincided with a renewed emphasis on design partnerships, project management, and production infrastructure.

Throughout its history, Turquoise Yachts has been associated with a series of high‑profile deliveries that reinforced its credibility with both owners and industry peers. Among the yard’s landmark achievements are multiple custom steel-and‑aluminum displacement yachts in the 60‑ to 70‑meter class—vessels that demonstrated the company’s capacity for complex engineering, long‑range autonomy, and finely executed interior joinery. In the 2010s, projects such as the 70‑meter class “Talisman C” and 72‑meter class “Quantum of Solace” highlighted Turquoise Yachts’ grasp of Northern European build standards, while still capitalizing on the cost and talent advantages of Turkey’s Tuzla and Kocaeli maritime clusters. After the rebrand, the yard continued to expand both in size and technical sophistication, delivering yachts such as the 77‑meter “Go,” which underscored Turquoise’s readiness to take on larger builds with distinctive exterior styling and detailed interior finishing.

An additional milestone for the shipyard has been the development of a strong competency in collaboration with leading international designers and naval architects. Turquoise is especially known for its repeated partnerships with H2 Yacht Design, among others, producing coherent exterior/interior concepts and well‑considered owner layouts across a spectrum of LOAs and gross tonnages. This strategic approach—pairing in‑house engineering and project management with globally recognized creative studios—has helped Turquoise deliver yachts that are as visually compelling as they are structurally and mechanically robust.

In recent years, Turquoise Yachts has broadened its portfolio to include modern classic designs and explorer‑influenced yachts that prioritize efficient displacement hulls, generous tenders, and multi‑use exterior decks. Deliveries like the 56‑meter “Blue II,” with its retro-modern silhouette and contemporary technical package, have illustrated the yard’s facility with diverse aesthetics and mission profiles—from refined Mediterranean cruising to transoceanic passages. Through these projects, the company has further proven its ability to tailor engineering and interior solutions to highly individualized owner briefs, whether the priority is wellness, family living, charter efficiency, or toy and tender operations.

Today, Turquoise Yachts is widely recognized as a fully custom builder capable of meeting the technical and aesthetic demands of experienced owners. The brand’s trajectory—from its 1990s origins, through a period of international consolidation and rebranding, to its present‑day focus on large custom builds and refit—reflects both the maturation of Turkey’s superyacht industry and Turquoise’s own institutional commitment to consistent quality, reliable delivery, and after‑sales support.

Country of Origin

• Turkey

Turquoise Yachts was founded and remains headquartered in Turkey, a country with a long maritime tradition and a contemporary concentration of shipbuilding expertise in the greater Istanbul area. The Turkish yachting cluster—particularly around Tuzla—has become one of the world’s most significant hubs for large yacht construction, refit, and specialized marine subcontracting, which directly benefits Turquoise Yachts in terms of skilled labor availability, supplier networks, and logistics.

Manufacturing Locations

Turquoise Yachts operates from two principal locations along the Sea of Marmara that together form an integrated production ecosystem:

• Istanbul (Tuzla/Pendik area): This is the heart of Turkey’s yacht‑building industry and the location long associated with Turquoise’s outfitting and finishing activities. The Istanbul site concentrates on high‑value interior joinery, systems installation, and detail work where close coordination among carpentry, upholstery, stone, metal, and paint teams is essential. Its proximity to a dense network of subcontractors and specialist vendors makes it efficient to deliver complex interiors at a high standard, and to turn around owner variations late in the build when needed.

• Kocaeli (Izmit Bay area): The Kocaeli facility provides large‑scale fabrication and heavy industrial capability appropriate for steel and aluminum hull and superstructure construction, major module integration, and pre‑outfitting. With expansive hardstanding, covered halls, and shoreline access, the Kocaeli yard is optimized for the early and middle stages of a build where precision welding, fairing, grit blasting, primer systems, and major mechanical installations occur. The location also supports refit and class survey work, taking advantage of secure berths and heavy-lift capacity.

Together, these facilities allow Turquoise Yachts to sequence a project from metalwork through final outfitting without compromising the environmental controls, cleanliness, and tooling required for fine interior craftsmanship. The split-site model also improves scheduling flexibility; when one yard is at capacity, modular construction and staged logistics enable parallel workstreams to maintain build momentum and meet delivery windows.

Ownership and Management

Since 2014, Turquoise Yachts has been majority owned by MB Holding Company LLC, the private investment group chaired by Dr. Mohammed Al Barwani. The acquisition injected long‑term capital, strengthened governance, and aligned Turquoise with a shareholder deeply familiar with the superyacht sector. Under this ownership, the company undertook a brand refresh, sharpened its international commercial strategy, and invested in facilities and processes designed to support larger, more technically complex yachts.

Turquoise Yachts’ senior leadership team includes experienced Turkish yacht-building executives who have been associated with the yard for many years and are well known to the international brokerage, design, and classification communities. The management structure emphasizes cross‑functional project leadership—linking naval architecture, production engineering, purchasing, and quality assurance—so that design intent is preserved as each yacht progresses from concept to sea trials. The company’s governance and operational approach are also geared to client transparency: owners and representatives typically have defined decision gates, documented specifications and change management, and regular on‑site reviews at both Istanbul and Kocaeli facilities.

This blend of committed long‑term ownership and continuity in day‑to‑day leadership has helped Turquoise Yachts to balance strategic investments with pragmatic production discipline—vital for a shipyard that concentrates on fully custom builds rather than standardized series.

Reputation and Quality

Turquoise Yachts is widely regarded as a top‑tier builder within the Turkish superyacht landscape and a credible competitor internationally for full‑custom steel and aluminum motor yachts from roughly 45 to 80+ meters. The brand’s reputation rests on several pillars:

• Engineering depth and class compliance: Turquoise designs are developed to major classification society standards (commonly Lloyd’s Register or American Bureau of Shipping) and in conformance with international codes such as MCA LY3 and the Passenger Yacht Code where applicable. The yard’s engineering teams are experienced in long‑range displacement hulls, complex HVAC and hotel systems, advanced stabilization, noise and vibration mitigation, and the redundancy schemes expected by world‑cruising owners. In recent builds, Turquoise has incorporated IMO Tier III–compliant exhaust after‑treatment where required, reflecting the yard’s ability to engineer within modern environmental frameworks.

• Fit‑out and interior craftsmanship: A distinguishing strength of Turkish builders—and particularly Turquoise—is interior joinery and finish quality. The Istanbul facility’s specialist workshops can execute intricate veneers, custom metalwork, stone fabrication, and upholstery with a level of detail associated with larger Northern European yards. This allows owners to pursue ambitious interior schemes, from contemporary minimalism to ornate, classically inspired looks, with consistent detailing across accommodation, guest circulation, and crew/service spaces.

• Design partnerships: Turquoise often collaborates with leading exterior and interior studios, notably H2 Yacht Design, among others. These partnerships tend to yield balanced yachts that are visually coherent and operationally efficient, with careful attention to guest flow, tender logistics, beach club usage, and wellness areas. The collaboration model also supports one‑off styling statements when an owner wishes to push the envelope—whether via a modern‑classic profile, a glass‑intensive superstructure, or a beach club conceived as a primary living area rather than a secondary amenity.

• Proven deliveries and industry awards: Over the past decade, Turquoise has delivered multiple yachts that have been finalists or winners at major industry awards. The 77‑meter “Go” drew praise for its exterior styling and guest experience, while the 56‑meter “Blue II” earned accolades for marrying a retro aesthetic with modern systems and comfort. Earlier deliveries in the 70‑meter class, such as “Talisman C” and “Quantum of Solace,” helped cement the yard’s standing as a builder capable of truly large custom projects. These peer‑reviewed recognitions, including honors at the World Superyacht Awards and design-focused juried events, support the perception that Turquoise offers not only value but also exemplary design and execution.

• Reliability and value proposition: A frequent observation among brokers and build captains is that Turquoise delivers “Northern European sensibilities at Turkish value.” The yard’s scheduling, documentation, and commissioning practices—combined with Turkey’s competitive cost base—often result in favorable price‑to‑spec outcomes without compromising classification or build quality. This is especially evident in yachts aimed at the charter market, where durability, maintainability, and crew‑friendly layouts translate into better operational economics and guest satisfaction.

• After‑sales and refit capabilities: Turquoise supports warranty and maintenance needs at both its Istanbul and Kocaeli sites, and the yard’s infrastructure lends itself to refit and class survey work. Having built a significant number of yachts that remain active in the global fleet, Turquoise has practical experience in lifecycle support, from paint refreshes and interior modifications to machinery overhauls and regulatory upgrades.

• Safety, testing, and sea‑going performance: Turquoise yachts are known for solid, quiet rides and efficient hotel systems. The yard’s approach to factory acceptance testing, commissioning, and sea trials is systematic, with progressive validation of systems (from generators and switchboards to stabilization and HVAC) before the yacht leaves the yard. This reduces post‑delivery punch lists and supports reliable early‑season operations for owners.

• Evolving approach to sustainability: While fully custom superyachts remain complex, energy‑intensive products, Turquoise has been integrating more efficient hull forms, modern power management, LED lighting, improved insulation, and, where specified, emissions after‑treatment to meet Tier III requirements. The company works with naval architects and equipment suppliers to accommodate future‑ready solutions—such as hybrid‑capable machinery spaces or DC electrical architectures—should an owner wish to explore alternative propulsion strategies or advanced energy storage within the bounds of class rules.

Overall, Turquoise Yachts occupies a respected position in the global superyacht market as a builder that pairs robust engineering and meticulous fit‑out with an attractive value proposition. Its two‑yard production model supports both large‑scale steel/aluminum work and high‑finish interiors; its ownership structure provides long‑term stability; and its track record of award‑recognized deliveries reinforces confidence among owners, captains, and brokers. For clients seeking a custom yacht in the 50‑ to 80‑meter range—with the freedom to develop a distinctive design, the assurance of class‑compliant engineering, and the practicality of serviceable systems—Turquoise Yachts is consistently on the shortlist.

Main Competitors

Turquoise Yachts operates in the fully custom and highly customized semi-custom superyacht segment, predominantly in steel and aluminum from roughly 40 meters up to 80 meters and beyond. In that arena, its principal competitors span leading Northern European builders—long regarded as the benchmark for ultra-large yacht quality—as well as a rising cohort of premium Turkish and Mediterranean yards that have expanded rapidly in capacity and reputation. The most relevant competitors include:

• Feadship (Netherlands): A global reference for fully custom motoryachts from about 50 to 100+ meters, with obsessive craftsmanship and engineering depth. Feadship competes for clients who value meticulous Northern European fit-and-finish and the comfort of a vast, proven supply chain and after-sales network.
• Lürssen (Germany): Dominant in the 90–150+ meter category and a touchstone for complex one-off projects. While Lürssen typically skews to the ultra-large end of the market, it overlaps at the 80–100 meter band where Turquoise increasingly demonstrates capability.
• Oceanco (Netherlands): Another top-tier custom builder in the 80–140 meter range known for advanced engineering and bold design collaborations. Oceanco shares the same owner as Turquoise Yachts via MB Holding, but still competes in the overall market for clients seeking large custom builds.
• Benetti (Italy): A volume leader with both semi-custom and full-custom series from about 37 to 100 meters. Benetti’s wide product spread, established production systems, and strong global marketing allow it to compete head-to-head with any yard in the 40–70 meter band.
• Amels/Damen Yachting (Netherlands): Amels’ semi-custom Limited Editions (55–80 meters) are constant alternatives for buyers who want proven platforms with shorter delivery times, while Damen’s SeaXplorer line attracts expedition-minded owners—an area where Turquoise’s fully custom capability is pertinent.
• Heesen (Netherlands): Particularly competitive in 50–60 meter fast aluminum yachts and increasingly in steel displacement yachts. Heesen’s focus on performance and short build schedules often puts it in the same consideration set as Turquoise for clients in the 50–60 meter range.
• CRN (Italy): Ferretti Group’s custom steel and aluminum yard in Ancona, active in the 50–80 meter segment, competing on Italian design language, interior sophistication, and integrated group support.
• Sanlorenzo (Italy): Through its Steel and Alloy ranges, Sanlorenzo addresses the 44–70 meter bracket with strong Italian styling and a growing emphasis on custom interiors, competing closely with Turquoise’s bespoke approach.
• Abeking & Rasmussen (Germany): A high-caliber German builder with a compact output focused on quality and engineering excellence in the 60–100 meter class, appealing to clients prioritizing Northern European pedigree.
• Nobiskrug (Germany): Known for technologically ambitious projects (often 70m+). Although its activity has varied over time, it remains a name owners consider for large custom builds.
• Royal Huisman (Netherlands): Traditionally a sailing superyacht leader but also building advanced custom motoryachts; its engineering culture and material expertise (including high-tech composites and lightweight engineering) attract technically demanding briefs.

In the Turkish market, several peers now vie with Turquoise for international clients:

• Bilgin Yachts: A direct competitor in large custom steel and aluminum yachts, including 75–90 meter projects. Bilgin’s rapid ascent and high-profile deliveries have put it in frequent comparison with Turquoise at the top of the Turkish market.
• Alia Yachts: Focused on custom projects often in the 30–60 meter space, with a reputation for engineering rigor and refined interior work; an alternative for owners who value boutique attention and Turkish value.
• Mengi Yay: Active in custom steel and aluminum yachts (roughly 30–50+ meters), with increasing international exposure and competitive pricing.
• Sarp Yachts: Known for well-finished custom builds in steel/aluminum and composites, especially around the 45–60 meter mark.
• Tansu Yachts: Distinctive design DNA and naval-inspired styling; overlaps with clients seeking purposeful, pared-back aesthetics in the 35–45 meter band.
• Numarine: Primarily in composite explorers up to the mid-40-meter range; not a direct competitor in size at the top end but relevant for expedition-minded clients who may consider steel/aluminum alternatives.

Turquoise’s differentiation centers on combining Northern European-level engineering and finish with competitive delivery schedules and pricing supported by Turkey’s industrial base. The yard is particularly strong in complex custom metalwork, large yacht project management, and high-end interiors—often developed with leading exterior and interior designers. Close collaborations with design houses such as H2 Yacht Design, Hoek Design, DeBasto Design, and others allow Turquoise to tailor each build closely to an owner’s aesthetic and operational brief, which is a core competitive advantage against more templated semi-custom offerings.

Current Production Status

Production at Turquoise Yachts is ongoing. The company maintains major facilities in the greater Istanbul area (Tuzla) and a newer, larger site in the Kocaeli region on the eastern Sea of Marmara. These dual yards provide complementary capabilities: Tuzla is historically associated with design, engineering, and construction of mid-to-large superyachts, while the Kocaeli site adds expansive build halls, outfitting zones, and launch infrastructure enabling the simultaneous handling of multiple large projects.

Across these facilities, Turquoise executes the full lifecycle of a large custom build—from naval architecture and structural fabrication through systems integration, fairing/paint, interior joinery, and commissioning. The shipyard’s metal workshops handle both steel hull fabrication and aluminum superstructure work, supporting complex geometries and weight targets that are essential in modern superyacht design. Dedicated paint halls with climate control allow the yard to achieve the high-gloss exterior finishes and multi-coat systems owners expect at this level, while strict process control (surface preparation, temperature, humidity, and dust management) underpins coating longevity and warranty performance.

In-house joinery and interior outfit capabilities are a hallmark of the yard. Turquoise works with premium veneers, stones, metals, and advanced composites to deliver lightweight yet durable interiors that meet strict noise and vibration criteria. The engineering teams coordinate closely with designers and subcontractor specialists to ensure that insulation, damping, and floating floor systems are integrated from the earliest stages of construction, which is critical to achieving low sound levels at anchor and underway. Typical builds adhere to international classification society rules (e.g., Lloyd’s Register, ABS, or Bureau Veritas) and commercial compliance frameworks as required by owner preference, including MCA Large Yacht Code for charter-compliant vessels.

Power and propulsion arrangements vary by project, from conventional twin-screw diesel to hybrid-ready architectures. Turquoise’s newer projects, like many contemporary superyachts, target IMO Tier III emissions compliance (via SCR systems) and increasingly anticipate upcoming regulatory and operational requirements such as shore power readiness and enhanced energy management. The yard integrates European OEM equipment (engines, generators, stabilization, HVAC, switchboards, and automation) with a focus on maintainability and global support, recognizing the importance of lifecycle service for world-cruising owners.

Turquoise is firmly a custom house. While it can leverage proven platform knowledge—especially in popular size bands around the low-50s and 70+ meters—it generally starts with a clean-sheet exterior and interior penned by a leading studio, aligning the GA with an owner’s specific mission profile (private vs. charter use, exploration capability, helideck or touch-and-go operations, beach club configuration, tender and toy storage, wellness spaces, and crew flow). That custom orientation is paired with rigorous project management: milestone-based planning, owner’s supply integration (for bespoke loose furniture, artwork, tenders), and continuous class/flag engagement to de-risk late-stage changes.

The Kocaeli site, in particular, was developed to extend Turquoise’s capacity for 70–80+ meter builds and complex refit or upgrade campaigns. Large enclosed construction halls allow parallel hull and superstructure work, reducing schedule risk from weather and enabling just-in-time logistics. The site’s launch and handling infrastructure supports the safe movement of completed hulls and large modules. Having two operational sites also offers program flexibility: for example, heavy steelwork can proceed in one location while interior packages are prepared in another, smoothing critical path bottlenecks and supporting on-time delivery.

After-sales service and refit work are an integral part of Turquoise’s operations. Many owners return to the builder for warranty support, seasonal maintenance, or major upgrades (AV/IT refresh, new tenders, beach club reconfiguration, exhaust aftertreatment retrofits, or interior restyling). The yard’s familiarity with its own systems and interior engineering typically compresses turnaround times and reduces rework risk. Moreover, Turquoise maintains close relationships with classification societies and flag states to coordinate surveys and re-certifications during refit yard periods.

Leadership and ownership stability further support current production. Turquoise Yachts emerged from the reorganization of Proteksan Turquoise in the mid-2010s under MB Holding, the investment group chaired by Dr. Mohammed Al Barwani (also the owner of Oceanco). That backing has underwritten the yard’s capital investments in facilities and technology, as well as international commercial outreach. Day-to-day operations are run by an experienced management team with long tenure in Turkish yachtbuilding, supported by a skilled workforce of engineers, naval architects, project managers, and master craftsmen.

In practical terms, the yard’s ongoing status is evident in its steady cadence of launches and deliveries over recent years in the 50–80 meter bracket, along with frequent presence at major industry events (e.g., Monaco Yacht Show) where it unveils new design collaborations and updates on projects in build. The combination of competitive cost base, proven large-yacht capability, and a deep bench of external designers keeps Turquoise’s pipeline active even amid shifting macroeconomic conditions.

Production Volumes

Turquoise Yachts does not routinely publish detailed annual production volumes or unit counts. As is typical among custom superyacht builders, output is measured in highly variable, multi-year projects rather than serial production. Independent industry references indicate that Turquoise (including its earlier Proteksan Turquoise era) has delivered a substantial portfolio of custom superyachts over 40 meters since the 1990s, with a delivery cadence that typically ranges in the low single digits per year. This reflects the long build cycles (often 24–48 months), the complexity of large steel/aluminum construction, and the high degree of customization that characterizes the brand.

A non-exhaustive selection of well-known deliveries that illustrate the yard’s scope includes:

• 77-meter “Go” (delivered in 2018): A signature project with a distinctive turquoise hull and expansive beach club that drew wide attention to the brand’s large-yacht proficiency.
• 70-meter “Talisman C” (2011): A landmark Proteksan Turquoise build, frequently cited for its interior volume, range, and charter-friendly layout.
• 72.6-meter “Vicky” (2012): Another flagship of the Proteksan Turquoise period, demonstrating the yard’s capacity for high-volume custom designs above 70 meters.
• 56-meter “Blue II” (2020): A modern classic with a retro-inspired profile by Hoek Design, underscoring Turquoise’s versatility across styles and technical briefs.
• 53-meter “Jewels” (2023): Part of a contemporary run of 50m-class yachts that showcase the yard’s efficiency in popular size bands while maintaining bespoke detailing.

Because each project’s scope and complexity vary significantly—ice strengthening, helicopter operations, hybridization, or unique owner amenities can all influence timelines—any given year may show one or several deliveries. The yard’s order book consistently includes multiple hulls in parallel, with work staged across its Tuzla and Kocaeli facilities to balance steelwork, outfitting, interior assembly, and testing.

Latest News

In recent years, Turquoise Yachts has maintained visible momentum in the 50–80 meter segment, combining headline deliveries with a sustained pipeline of projects in build:

• 53-meter “Jewels” delivery and 50m-class activity: The handover of “Jewels” in 2023 reaffirmed the yard’s strategic emphasis on the low-50-meter bracket as a sweet spot for owners seeking shorter delivery timelines without sacrificing customization or build quality. This size range remains a core focus for Turquoise alongside its larger custom projects, with designs often developed in partnership with established studios to accelerate early-stage decisions on GA, exterior styling, and structural concept.

• Continued presence with large custom builds: Turquoise has remained active above 70 meters, leveraging its Kocaeli facilities to accommodate the volume and logistics of large steel and aluminum projects. Industry coverage through 2023–2024 has reflected ongoing work in this upper band, supported by the yard’s investment in big-hall construction, advanced paint infrastructure, and heavy-lift/launch capability.

• Facility investment and capability enhancement: Turquoise’s newer Kocaeli site has been a focal point of capital spending designed to improve throughput, risk control, and environmental conditions for high-spec paint and interior work. Expansive enclosed halls, upgraded ventilation and climate controls, and improved material flow have been reported as key enablers for consistent quality at scale. The dual-site model—Tuzla plus Kocaeli—provides redundancy and flexibility that help the builder manage overlapping projects and supplier schedules more confidently.

• Compliance and sustainability trajectory: Like its top-tier peers, Turquoise continues to integrate technologies and practices aimed at reducing emissions and improving onboard efficiency. New builds increasingly target IMO Tier III compliance using selective catalytic reduction, and the yard coordinates early with engine and exhaust OEMs to minimize space and weight penalties. Shore power readiness, LED lighting throughout, waste-heat recovery for domestic hot water, and advanced HVAC management are part of the conversation at concept stage, with owners weighing capital outlay against lifetime operating benefits. The focus on low noise and vibration—essential to comfort and energy efficiency—also dovetails with sustainability goals.

• After-sales, refit, and service: The yard’s refit and warranty activity has remained robust, serving both recently delivered yachts and older builds returning for modernization. Upgrades typically include AV/IT overhauls, stabilization enhancements, new tender garages or beach club reconfigurations, and compliance updates. Turquoise’s ability to allocate space and teams at Kocaeli for refit windows—even while new builds proceed—has helped it retain long-term relationships with owners and captains, reducing seasonal downtime.

• Operational resilience and market positioning: Despite macroeconomic shifts and supply chain tightness that have affected yachting broadly since 2020, Turquoise has sustained production continuity through early material procurement, diversified supplier networks, and schedule buffers around critical path items (e.g., switchboards, custom glass, interior stones). Turkey’s competitive industrial base and skilled labor pool continue to support the yard’s value proposition: Northern European-level quality paired with attractive build economics and responsive project management.

• Brand visibility and design collaborations: Turquoise regularly participates in marquee industry events, including the Monaco Yacht Show, where it showcases recent deliveries, project updates, and new design studies. Collaborations with design houses such as H2 Yacht Design, Hoek Design, DeBasto Design, and others remain central to the brand’s identity, allowing it to present owners with a spectrum of aesthetic directions—from contemporary beach-club-centric profiles to classic expedition and retro-inspired lines—while keeping engineering solutions rooted in the yard’s proven construction methods.

• Notable operational episode and recovery: The 77-meter “Go” was widely reported in 2021 following a marina contact incident in Turkey. The yacht returned to service after repairs, a reminder of the importance of integrated after-sales support and the builder’s engagement with complex service events when required. That episode did not alter the yard’s forward trajectory; rather, Turquoise’s subsequent deliveries and active order book underscored ongoing confidence from the market.

Looking ahead, Turquoise Yachts remains positioned to compete for owners seeking fully custom design freedom, Northern European-level engineering and interior standards, and a collaborative build journey. The combination of two complementary Turkish facilities, a stable ownership structure with deep superyacht expertise, and close ties to top-tier designers provides a platform for continued activity in both the popular 50m class and the larger 70m+ segment. Industry reporting through 2023–2024 has reflected a healthy Turkish order pipeline overall, with Turquoise among the names most frequently cited by brokers and design studios when discussing substantial new-build opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question:Who is Turquoise Yachts?
Answer:Turquoise Yachts is a Turkish builder of fully custom superyachts, best known for steel-hulled, aluminum-superstructure displacement vessels typically ranging from about 40 meters to well over 70 meters in length. The company evolved from the earlier Proteksan-Turquoise entity and has earned a reputation for combining Northern European-level engineering with the flexibility and craftsmanship long associated with Turkey’s yacht-building tradition. Turquoise’s portfolio includes large displacement cruisers, long-range explorers, and contemporary flagships, all built to international class and safety standards for world cruising.

Question:Where are Turquoise Yachts’ main facilities and what can they handle?
Answer:Turquoise Yachts operates advanced new-build and refit facilities in the greater Istanbul region, with significant capacity for hull construction, engineering, outfit, and finishing. The shipyards are designed to handle large superyachts—both new-build and refit—exceeding 100 meters in length. In-house metal workshops, joinery, engineering, and outfitting teams allow the company to control quality from the steel plate and aluminum profiles through to the most refined interior details.

Question:What types and sizes of yachts does Turquoise typically build?
Answer:The core of Turquoise’s output is steel/aluminum displacement superyachts between 50 and 80 meters, though the yard has built—and can build—outside that range. Projects have included classic-inspired explorers, sleek contemporary cruisers, and larger flagship yachts above 70 meters. Most are oceangoing vessels with transoceanic range and the seakeeping to operate in a wide range of conditions.

Question:Is Turquoise Yachts a custom or semi-custom builder?
Answer:Turquoise is principally a fully custom builder. Instead of offering a fixed production line, the yard works with each owner to develop a one-off design or tailor a proven platform to the owner’s brief. This approach allows extraordinary freedom in exterior styling, interior layout, deck arrangements, and technical specifications. While the company has “house knowledge” and repeatable engineering solutions for popular sizes, every major decision—from propulsion to guest arrangements—can be adapted to the project.

Question:How does the design and build process typically work?
Answer:The process usually follows these stages:

• Concept and brief: The owner, a chosen exterior stylist and interior designer (or the yard’s suggested collaborators), and Turquoise’s engineering teams develop the vision, mission profile, and target specifications.
• Naval architecture and engineering: Hull form optimization, structural design, machinery selection, and systems integration are completed in detail, with classification society input.
• Production: Steel hull and aluminum superstructure fabrication proceed in parallel with machinery installation, piping, electrical, and HVAC. Interiors are manufactured in dedicated workshops and installed during outfitting.
• Trials and delivery: Dockside commissioning and extensive sea trials validate performance, noise/vibration, redundancy, and safety systems before delivery.

Timelines vary with size and complexity, but a 50–55 m project commonly takes around 24–30 months from contract, while a 70–77 m flagship often requires 36–48 months.

Question:Which designers and naval architects does Turquoise Yachts collaborate with?
Answer:The yard is known for teaming with internationally respected studios. Past and frequent collaborators include H2 Yacht Design for both exterior and interior work, and Hoek Design for classic-inspired explorer exteriors. The company also partners with a range of other designers at the owner’s request. This flexibility has yielded a diverse fleet—from modern, glass-rich profiles to elegant, retro-styled explorers.

Question:What construction materials and techniques are used?
Answer:Most Turquoise yachts employ a welded steel hull for strength and seakeeping, paired with an aluminum superstructure for weight efficiency and stability. The yard uses CNC cutting, modern welding procedures, finite element analysis for structure, vibration isolation strategies, and high-spec surface preparation for paint longevity. Composite is used selectively for secondary elements like domes, fairings, and exterior furniture to reduce weight aloft.

Question:How are class and regulatory standards addressed?
Answer:Turquoise builds to the world’s leading class and flag standards, such as Lloyd’s Register or similar classification societies, and in accordance with IMO regulations. Commercial compliance (e.g., MCA LY3) is available for owners intending to charter. Crew spaces and working areas are designed to align with MLC 2006 requirements. For large yachts and specific missions, the yard integrates the requisite fire safety, lifesaving appliances, and redundancy mandated by the applicable rules.

Question:What are typical performance and range characteristics?
Answer:Performance is tailored to the brief. Many Turquoise displacement yachts cruise comfortably around 12–14 knots with top speeds typically in the mid- to high-teens, depending on length and displacement. Long-range efficiency is a hallmark, with transoceanic range figures commonly in the 4,000–6,000+ nautical mile bracket at economical speeds. Seakeeping, low noise and vibration, and stable motion at anchor (via fins and/or gyros) are prioritized.

Question:Does Turquoise build explorer yachts and can they be ice-strengthened?
Answer:Yes. The yard has delivered modern explorers with classic lines and long-range engineering. Ice-class or ice-strengthened notations, enhanced tankage, heavy-duty cranes for large tenders, and protected deck equipment can be specified for higher-latitude operations, subject to class and mission profile.

Question:What interior standards can owners expect?
Answer:Interiors are crafted to a superyacht standard, with custom joinery, stonework, metal detailing, leather, and textiles produced and fitted by skilled teams. Owners can choose a design language ranging from minimalist contemporary to richly classic, with exacting attention to door hardware, fiddles, drawer action, and acoustic isolation. The yard’s project management emphasizes repeatable quality—mockups and sample rooms are frequently used to validate finishes before full production.

Question:What about beach clubs, pools, helipads, and tender garages?
Answer:Turquoise regularly integrates beach clubs, spa and wellness suites, gyms, sea-level terraces, and large swim platforms. Many yachts feature full-beam tender garages capable of housing substantial guest and crew tenders, plus a wide selection of toys. Helipads (touch-and-go or fully certified, depending on the brief and rules) can be engineered on appropriate platforms. Pool and Jacuzzi solutions, including counter-current systems and glass-fronted designs, are common.

Question:How does Turquoise address noise and vibration control?
Answer:The engineering phase specifies resiliently mounted machinery, advanced flexible couplings, floating floors and ceilings in guest areas, and comprehensive damping of structural paths. Computational studies and experience-based rules inform structural scantlings and machinery seating. Final sea trials include noise and vibration surveys to confirm performance against the contract.

Question:What propulsion and power systems are typically used?
Answer:Most projects utilize twin high-speed diesel main engines from established manufacturers (for example, Caterpillar or MTU), paired with shaft lines and controllable or fixed-pitch propellers, plus bow and stern thrusters for maneuvering. For new builds, owners may request IMO Tier III-compliant exhaust aftertreatment in accordance with applicable emissions-control requirements. Hybrid-assist options (e.g., PTO/PTI on gearboxes, battery-supported hotel loads, or parallel/serial hybrid concepts) can be developed depending on mission profile and space/weight budgets.

Question:What sustainability features are available?
Answer:In addition to Tier III-capable exhaust solutions, owners frequently specify:

• Shore-power (cold ironing) interfaces where infrastructure allows.
• Energy-efficient HVAC with heat recovery and advanced chiller plants.
• LED lighting, smart load management, and automation for hotel systems.
• High-efficiency glazing and insulation strategies to reduce HVAC demand.
• Advanced antifouling and hull-coating systems to preserve performance and reduce fuel burn.

Question:How does the shipyard manage quality assurance?
Answer:Quality is embedded through stage-gate reviews, classification-driven inspections, non-destructive testing for structure and welds, pressure and flow tests for piping systems, factory acceptance tests for major equipment, and comprehensive commissioning prior to launch. Cosmetic QA includes multi-stage fairing and paint inspection under varied light conditions, along with climate-controlled paint environments to deliver consistent finishes.

Question:What is Turquoise Yachts’ standing in the global superyacht market?
Answer:Turquoise is widely regarded as a top-tier Mediterranean builder, notable for competitive value relative to the specification level delivered. The yard has produced multiple high-profile yachts across 50–77 meters that have been recognized within the industry for design and build quality. Owners and captains often cite the blend of engineering rigor, responsive project management, and artisanal finish as differentiators.

Question:How does the yard handle project management and owner changes during build?
Answer:Each project is assigned a dedicated project management team coordinating design, engineering, procurement, and production. The builder works with an owner’s representative, technical manager, and classification surveyor to document and control changes, with clear variation logs and cost/time impacts. 3D modeling and regular design reviews help catch interface risks early and support informed decision-making.

Question:What about refit and after-sales support?
Answer:Turquoise operates substantial refit capacity for both its own builds and other makers. This includes technical refits (machinery, systems, class surveys), interior refurbishments, exterior restyling, paint, and life-extension programs. After delivery, warranty teams and service engineers support the yacht through the warranty period and beyond, coordinating spare parts and technical interventions as needed.

Question:Can Turquoise build yachts intended for commercial charter?
Answer:Yes. Many Turquoise yachts are delivered in commercial compliance, meeting relevant flag and class requirements for charter operation. This typically influences aspects like fire protection, lifesaving appliances, watertight subdivision, crew complements, and certain layout constraints. The yard and design team will guide owners through those implications early in the design phase.

Question:What is the typical crew arrangement and service flow on board?
Answer:Crew areas are engineered for efficiency and compliance, with a clear separation between guest and service circulation. Dedicated service pantries, dumbwaiters, back-of-house stairways, and discreet routes to exterior decks are common. Cold rooms, dry stores, laundry, and workshop spaces are planned around the yacht’s itinerary to support long-range autonomy.

Question:How are tenders and toys integrated without compromising guest areas?
Answer:On most Turquoise yachts above ~50 meters, tenders are stowed in a dedicated garage amidships or aft, launched via shell doors or cranes to maintain unobstructed guest deck spaces. For explorers, larger cranes and open working decks can be included. The yard balances garage volume, beach club size, and machinery spaces to achieve the owner’s priorities.

Question:Does Turquoise have experience with large pool installations and wellness facilities?
Answer:Yes. Complex water features—including glass-sided pools, counter-current pools, and spa pools with integrated lighting and audio—are common in Turquoise design briefs. Wellness facilities may include saunas, steam rooms, treatment rooms, beauty salons, and gyms with sea views. Engineering addresses sloshing loads, structural reinforcement, and piping/filtration access.

Question:What launch and trial conditions are available locally?
Answer:The shipyard’s proximity to the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean allows rigorous trials in varied sea states and currents. This environment is well suited to verifying noise/vibration targets, maneuvering, crash-stop behavior, anchor-holding, DP/light dynamic positioning behaviors (if fitted), and hotel load stability with different generator configurations.

Question:Can Turquoise deliver yachts above 80 meters?
Answer:The yard has the infrastructure and industrial scale to build very large yachts, with capability extending beyond 80 meters and into the 100-meter class, subject to project specifics. For such projects, early engagement with designers, classification societies, and key suppliers is important to lock in engineering baselines, steel packages, and long-lead equipment.

Question:What distinguishes Turquoise Yachts from other Mediterranean builders?
Answer:Three aspects are frequently cited:

• Integrated capability: in-house steel/aluminum fabrication, joinery, engineering, and outfitting.
• Design flexibility: long-standing partnerships with leading designers while welcoming owner-appointed teams.
• Value-to-spec ratio: competitive pricing and timeline discipline relative to the complexity and finish level delivered, supported by a skilled regional supply chain.

Question:Are there notable Turquoise projects that illustrate the yard’s range?
Answer:The fleet includes contemporary flagships around the mid-70-meter mark, classically inspired explorers around the mid-50s, and a series of 50–60-meter displacement yachts famed for efficient long-range cruising. Examples include a 77-meter contemporary flagship with expansive beach club arrangements, a 56-meter modern-classic explorer with long-range capability, and a 47-meter steel/aluminum yacht that set the tone for the brand’s recent generation—all illustrating the yard’s breadth in styling, engineering, and finish.

Question:How are safety and redundancy engineered into the yachts?
Answer:Safety is built into the core architecture: watertight subdivision, fire zones, redundant pumps and switchboards, emergency generator arrangements, and fail-safes for critical systems. The builder ensures fire detection/suppression coverage, emergency steering modes, and emergency communication systems in line with class and flag requirements. Drills and system verifications are part of commissioning and crew onboarding.

Question:What coatings and corrosion-protection strategies are used?
Answer:The steel and aluminum interfaces are carefully isolated, with coating systems that include advanced primers, fairing compounds, and topcoats applied in controlled environments. Sacrificial anodes and/or impressed current systems protect underwater metals. Detailed attention to drainage, access for inspection, and ventilation minimizes moisture entrapment behind linings and furniture.

Question:How does Turquoise approach technology integration and automation?
Answer:Integrated bridge and monitoring/control systems (for machinery, alarms, power management, and hotel systems) are specified to the owner’s preferred vendors. Digital switching, condition-based monitoring, and energy-optimization algorithms can be incorporated. AV/IT solutions emphasize redundancy, cybersecurity hardening, and serviceability, with robust rack spaces and cooling provision.

Question:What should an owner expect in terms of documentation and training at delivery?
Answer:A comprehensive package is delivered, including class certificates, manuals, system diagrams, recommended spares, and maintenance schedules. Crew receive hands-on systems training during commissioning and trials. Many owners arrange for key subcontractors (e.g., engine OEMs, navigation/AV integrators) to provide type-specific training as part of handover.

Question:Does Turquoise support hybrid or alternative-fuel roadmaps?
Answer:The yard can work with naval architects and technology partners to implement hybrid-assist systems, battery banks for hotel load shaving, and readiness provisions for future upgrades. Full alternative-fuel (e.g., methanol or hydrogen-based) architectures depend on fast-evolving rules and infrastructure; feasibility studies can be undertaken early in concept development to align ambitions with regulatory and practical constraints.

Question:What is the typical guest and cabin configuration on Turquoise yachts?
Answer:On 50–60-meter yachts, five or six guest cabins for 10–12 guests are common, often including a main-deck owner’s suite. On 70–77-meter yachts, layouts frequently expand to seven to nine guest cabins for 14–18 guests, sometimes with dual owners’ suites, VIPs on the main deck, and convertible multipurpose spaces. Crew complements scale accordingly, with separate entrances, service logistics, and technical spaces designed to keep crew movement discrete.

Question:How flexible is Turquoise in accommodating unique owner requests?
Answer:As a custom builder, Turquoise is accustomed to engineering unusual features—glass bulwarks, extendable balconies, large opening sea terraces, custom helideck load cases, and bespoke interior installations. Feasibility, class/flag rules, weight impact, and maintenance implications are evaluated comprehensively before final approval to ensure reliability and safety.

Available Models

Turquoise Yachts is a custom builder and does not market a fixed catalogue of “models” in the traditional production sense. However, the shipyard frequently develops yachts within certain size bands and proven engineering baselines. The following representative platforms illustrate common requests and indicative characteristics; all specifications are customizable and subject to naval architecture and class requirements.

• 50 m Steel Displacement Platform

  • Length overall: approximately 49–50 m
  • Beam: about 9–9.5 m
  • Gross tonnage: typically 500–700 GT
  • Guests: 10–12 in 5–6 cabins
  • Crew: ~9–12, depending on charter intentions and service philosophy
  • Maximum speed: about 15–16 knots
  • Range: roughly 4,000–5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots (indicative)
  • Hull/superstructure: steel hull, aluminum superstructure
  • Engine type: twin high-speed diesels (e.g., Caterpillar C32 or comparable MTU 12V series), with shaft lines and fixed or controllable-pitch propellers
  • Notable options: beach club, fold-down terraces, tender garage for 7–8 m guest tender plus toys, zero-speed stabilization, shore-power interface

• 56 m Classic-Explorer Platform

  • Length overall: approximately 55–56 m
  • Beam: about 9.5–10.5 m
  • Gross tonnage: generally 780–900 GT
  • Guests: typically 12 in 6 cabins
  • Crew: ~12–14
  • Maximum speed: about 14–15 knots
  • Range: often 6,000+ nautical miles at economical speed
  • Hull/superstructure: steel hull, aluminum superstructure; ice-strengthening available on request
  • Engine type: twin medium/high-speed diesels (e.g., Caterpillar 3512-class or equivalent), with heavy-duty cranes for expedition tenders as required
  • Notable options: classic exterior styling, protected working decks, enlarged tankage, expedition gear storage, sauna/steam wellness suites

• 63–67 m Displacement Platform

  • Length overall: approximately 63–67 m
  • Beam: about 11.5–12.2 m
  • Gross tonnage: typically 1,300–1,500 GT
  • Guests: 12–14 in 6–7 cabins
  • Crew: ~15–18
  • Maximum speed: about 15–16.5 knots
  • Range: 5,000+ nautical miles at 12–13 knots, depending on displacement
  • Hull/superstructure: steel hull, aluminum superstructure
  • Engine type: twin high-speed diesels (e.g., Caterpillar 3512/3516 class or MTU 16V 2000 series), Tier III-capable packages available
  • Notable options: touch-and-go helipad, extended beach club with sea-level terraces, 7 m+ pool, garage for large guest and crew tenders, enhanced AV/IT and cinema spaces

• 72–77 m Flagship Displacement Platform

  • Length overall: approximately 72–77 m
  • Beam: about 12.5–13.5 m
  • Gross tonnage: generally 1,700–2,100 GT (project dependent)
  • Guests: 14–18 in 7–9 cabins, including options for dual owner suites or a private deck
  • Crew: ~18–25, aligning with service level and charter intentions
  • Maximum speed: about 16–18 knots (hull form and power dependent)
  • Range: typically 5,000+ nautical miles at 12–13 knots
  • Hull/superstructure: steel hull, aluminum superstructure
  • Engine type: twin high-speed diesels suited to large displacement yachts (e.g., Caterpillar 3516 class or MTU 16V series), with hybrid-assist options via PTO/PTI and battery-supported hotel loads upon request
  • Notable options: large beach club and wellness deck, substantial pool with glass features, touch-and-go helipad or certified helideck subject to rules, elevator(s), enhanced crew service corridors, commercial-compliant charter configuration

Notes on the above:

• All figures are indicative and derived from typical Turquoise projects in these size brackets; final specifications are defined by the chosen naval architect, class/flag, displacement, and the owner’s mission profile.
• Engine brand and model selection, gearbox ratios, propeller type, and exhaust aftertreatment (e.g., SCR for Tier III compliance) are coordinated early in the design to balance speed, efficiency, load points, and acoustic goals.
• Interior layouts, guest/crew configurations, tender stowage strategies, and specialty features (from beach clubs to observation lounges and certified helidecks) are fully customizable within the structural and regulatory envelope of each platform size.

This combination of custom engineering with proven size brackets allows Turquoise Yachts to deliver one-off yachts that feel truly personal, while benefitting from the yard’s deep experience with stability calculations, weight management, systems integration, and finish quality in each length class.