Local shipyards surpass Spain to become world's leading exporter of specialized fishing boats
Türkiye has cemented its position as a dominant force in the global maritime industry, emerging as the world's top producer and exporter of fishing vessels. This significant achievement, highlighted by the Ship and Yacht Exporters Association (GYHİB), showcases the country's growing expertise in building specialized, high-tech vessels.
According to Cem Seven, chairman of the GYHİB, Turkish shipyards have outpaced global competitors, including Spain, to secure the top spot in both production and export of fishing vessels over the past three years. "Thanks to the success of our shipyards, Türkiye has become the world champion in fishing vessel exports,"Seven stated. Last year alone, fishing vessel exports reached a value of $354 million.
This success is part of a broader trend of impressive growth in Türkiye's maritime sector. The nation's total ship, yacht, and marine equipment exports hit $1.17 billion by July 2025, following a strong trajectory from previous years, with figures of $1.45 billion in 2022, $1.94 billion in 2023, and $1.91 billion in 2024.
Photo: courtesy Tersan Shipyard
Focus on Innovation and Specialized Vessels
A key factor in this global leadership is the Turkish shipbuilding industry's shift towards niche, high-value vessels. Turkish shipyards, particularly those in hubs like Yalova and Tuzla, are no longer competing on basic commercial vessels but are instead focusing on specialized, custom-built projects.
These vessels are known for being highly sophisticated and technologically advanced. For instance, Turkish shipyards have built large factory fishing vessels capable of a fully automated process, from catching fish to filleting and freezing them on board. Some of these vessels can process up to 450 tons of fish daily. The country is also a leader in constructing innovative live fish carriers and crab boats for clients in countries like Norway and Canada.
Video courtesy Cemre Shipyard/YouTube
Furthermore, Turkish shipbuilders are at the forefront of sustainable marine technology. The industry has produced the world's first hybrid purse seiner/trawler and the largest hybrid live fish carrier, using advanced systems with LNG and battery propulsion. This focus on efficiency and environmental performance is a major draw for international buyers.
In addition to fishing vessels, Türkiye ranks among the top three global exporters of tugboats and is a top-ten exporter of yachts, including mega yachts, with exports in this segment reaching approximately $480 million in 2024. This versatility and specialization have been crucial to the sector's rapid ascent in the global market. The industry’s growth is also supported by a focus on providing high-quality, reliable products with timely delivery, giving it a competitive edge over rivals.
According to Cem Seven, chairman of the GYHİB, Turkish shipyards have outpaced global competitors, including Spain, to secure the top spot in both production and export of fishing vessels over the past three years. 
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