Industry and Technology Minister Mustafa Varank stated that the trend in the world in unmanned sea vehicles has just begun and said, "If we, as Turkey, can demonstrate an acceleration just like we have demonstrated in unmanned aerial vehicles, we can come to a stage in unmanned sea vehicles, we can become one of the sought-after countries in the world." said.
Varank visited companies operating in Antalya Free Zone. Varank, who toured the yacht production facilities, examined the Armed Unmanned Marine Vehicle (SİDA), the first platform of the "ULAQ" series developed in cooperation with Ares Shipyard and Turkish defense industry companies, and used the vehicle with the remote control system. He said that the region is one of the most important free zones in Turkey, which stands out with its yacht manufacturing.
Stating that Turkey is trying to develop and expand its economy with value-added production, Varank emphasized that in this respect, shipyard is one of the fields in which Turkey has recently invested and received a return.
Stating that all of the companies he visited were full of orders until 2024-2025, Varank stated that production continues in line with orders in the field of luxury yachts and defense industry.
TECHNOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPECTIVE SHIPS ARE BUILT
Stating that they find it meaningful for the companies to become stronger and the Antalya Free Zone's progress in the yachting sector, Varank noted that they will continue to invest in the sector as the Ministry.
“Just as in the automotive industry, trends are changing, especially in the marine industry. Now, boats that are more respectful to the environment and have less carbon emissions are being built. Our companies have also adapted to this change and transformation very quickly. The shipyards in Yalova, Istanbul are building the most technological and environmentally friendly ships of the area. Here in the free zone in Antalya, they are building slightly smaller, more luxurious, more value-added boats. As the Ministry of Industry and Technology, we see this area as a part of the manufacturing industry.”
WE CAN BE ONE OF THE COUNTRIES SEARCHED IN UNMANNED SEA VEHICLES
Minister Varank stated that during the visit, he asked the company representative how many items they used while building a yacht, and he received the answer of 6 thousand to 6 thousand 500. Pointing out that among these products there are also those bought from abroad, Varank emphasized that they want to start an indigenization move with the sector and to produce all of the products imported by Turkey with the sector in Turkey.
Reminding that Ares Shipyard produces very good products especially in the field of defense industry and manufactures unmanned sea vehicles, Varank concluded his words as follows:
“Really, Turkey is trying to be a pioneer in this business. We can see that the trend in the world in unmanned sea vehicles has just begun. If we, as Turkey, can demonstrate an acceleration just as we have demonstrated in unmanned aerial vehicles, we can reach a stage in unmanned sea vehicles as well, and become one of the sought-after countries in the world. We find the Antalya Free Zone valuable in this sense, and we will continue to work with our friends.”
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