RMK Marine has officially begun construction of a new yacht-focused shipyard in Yalova, just outside Istanbul. Located on a 70,000-square-metre waterfront site, the development marks a significant milestone for yacht manufacturing in Türkiye. The purpose-built facility is designed to raise standards in the sector through a combination of contemporary architecture, advanced technical capabilities and a strong commitment to sustainable development.
As part of this strategic expansion, the company’s existing Tuzla operations will transition to concentrate solely on commercial and naval projects. By separating yacht construction from other shipbuilding activities, overall production capacity across both segments is expected to grow substantially. The move will also further position RMK Yachts as an internationally competitive brand within the megayacht sector. The transfer of yacht operations to Yalova is scheduled to begin in the final quarter of 2026, with the shipyard expected to reach full operational capacity in 2027.
The new site has been planned around the particular demands of yacht building, where design refinement, rigorous quality benchmarks, technical precision and long-term reliability must operate in harmony. Every element of the yard, from spatial organisation and workflow to logistics and staff-focused design, has been carefully considered within a fully integrated framework.
“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.
Envisioned as more than a production centre, the campus is intended to foster a distinctive culture alongside yacht construction. It will incorporate maritime-inspired offices, technologically advanced workshops and enclosed build halls, together with a wide range of social and welfare amenities. Staff facilities will include gyms, cafés, training and rest areas, while dedicated guest accommodation and hospitality spaces will serve owners and visiting partners.
In collaboration with the Rahmi M. Koç Museum, the development will also include a yachting museum, reinforcing the project’s broader cultural ambitions. Additionally, around 5,000 square metres will be allocated to docking and marina services delivered in partnership with Setur Marina, supporting the creation of one of the country’s most advanced yacht production environments.
The shipyard has been designed to align with LEED certification principles, placing renewable energy use, energy efficiency and low-emission operations at its core. Sustainability considerations underpin both the construction process and long-term operational strategy, reflecting a forward-looking approach to environmental responsibility. Construction works are being carried out by Ark İnşaat, a subsidiary of Koç Holding.
Once complete, the facility will feature three 30 x 120-metre halls dedicated to new-build projects, alongside additional hangars measuring 40 x 80 metres and 35 x 55 metres for refit activities. These will be supported by a 10,000-square-metre open refit area and 700 metres of quay, enabling considerable operational flexibility. Two travel lifts, with capacities of 720 tonnes and 320 tonnes respectively, will handle launch and haul-out operations, while a floating dock will accommodate vessels of up to 150 metres in length.
“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, specialised facilities. With these two dedicated facilities, our goal is not only to expand capacity but also to establish deeply rooted and highly specialised production cultures in each field.”
– RMK Marine CEO Dr Utku Alanç.
With the Yalova development, RMK Yachts is seeking to strengthen its long-term presence in the global yachting market by creating a facility designed to evolve with the industry, retain its value over time and set new standards for future yacht construction.
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