Order follows success of vessels in operation with Turkish Coast Guard Command Recently, Damen Shipyards Antalya held a kick-off meeting that included representatives from various organizations such as the UN’s I...
Order follows success of vessels in operation with Turkish Coast Guard Command
Recently, Damen Shipyards Antalya held a kick-off meeting that included representatives from various organizations such as the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Turkish Coast Guard (TURCG) Command, the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM), the European Union Delegation, and the Netherlands Embassy in Türkiye. This meeting celebrated the signing of a new contract between Damen and the IOM for the delivery of thirteen Search and Rescue (SAR) 1906 vessels for the Turkish Coast Guard. This project is funded by the European Union under the initiative “Improving the Turkish Coast Guard’s Operational Capacity through the Supply of Search and Rescue Boats”.
Damen previously supplied six SAR 1906 vessels to the TURCG in 2016, followed by nine more in 2019, as part of IOM's EU-supported projects.
The delivery of these thirteen vessels is scheduled for 2027 and 2028. The TURCG will use them to enhance their search-and-rescue operations at sea.
Built in Türkiye for Türkiye
All vessels will be constructed at Damen Shipyards Antalya. The shipyard, located in the Antalya Free Zone, has been operating since 2013 and produces around 28 vessels each year. This achievement is supported by a skilled local team and the regional maritime supply chain.
Damen’s Regional Sales Director, Emre Turkoz, expressed gratitude, saying, “On behalf of Damen, I am very thankful for the trust placed in us for building these latest SAR vessels. I look forward to further strengthening our partnership with the IOM, Turkish Coast Guard, and the European Union as we work together on these vessels.”
Ready for anything
The SAR 1906 is a lightweight, aluminum vessel with a composite wheelhouse. It measures 19.5 meters in length and 6.5 meters in width, with a maximum speed of 30 knots.
This vessel is designed to perform well in all weather, as seen by the over 90% operational availability reported by those already with the Turkish Coast Guard. Additionally, it can self-right within seconds if it rolls or capsizes.
Its Damen Sea Axe bow provides low water resistance and high fuel efficiency. The SAR 1906 can accommodate a crew of six and carry up to 120 survivors. The vessels currently in operation in Türkiye have already helped save over 27,000 lives.