Damen to build 13 SAR units for Turkey. Strengthening search and rescue in the Aegean Sea
Damen Shipyards Group has officially kicked off the construction of thirteen new SAR 1906 search and rescue vessels for the Turkish Coast Guard. The project, coordinated with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and funded by the European Union, aims to enhance Turkey’s maritime operational capacity in search and rescue operations across the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
In brief
Damen Shipyards Group has started construction of thirteen SAR 1906 search and rescue vessels for the Turkish Coast Guard. The project is coordinated with the International Organization for Migration and funded by the European Union, with handovers scheduled for 2027 and 2028. Damen previously delivered six SAR 1906 units in 2016 and nine more in 2019, and the fleet has helped save over 27,000 lives at sea. The 19.5-metre aluminium vessels reach 30 knots, carry six crew and up to 120 survivors, and feature self-righting capability and Damen's Sea Axe bow.
The handover of these vessels is scheduled for 2027 and 2028, marking a continuation of a longstanding partnership. Damen previously delivered six SAR 1906 units in 2016 and nine more in 2019 under similar EU-supported IOM projects. To date, the SAR 1906 fleet in Turkey has contributed to saving over 27,000 lives at sea.
All thirteen new units will be constructed at Damen Shipyards Antalya, a facility operating in the Antalya Free Zone since 2013. With an annual production of around 28 vessels, the yard relies on a skilled local workforce and regional supply chain, reflecting Damen’s commitment to building in Türkiye for Türkiye.
The SAR 1906 is a 19.5-metre aluminium rescue vessel with a composite wheelhouse. Capable of reaching speeds up to 30 knots, it can carry six crew members and up to 120 survivors. Designed for all-weather operations, the vessel is equipped with self-righting capabilities and Damen’s Sea Axe bow, combining high seaworthiness with fuel efficiency.
This project highlights the growing importance of international collaboration in maritime safety and humanitarian operations, particularly in regions experiencing high levels of migration. The new units will strengthen the Turkish Coast Guard’s rapid response capabilities, providing a robust, modern, and reliable fleet for search and rescue missions in one of Europe’s most critical maritime corridors.
Emre Turkoz, regional sales director at Damen, commented: - We are grateful for the continued trust placed in Damen to deliver these state-of-the-art SAR vessels. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership with the IOM, the Turkish Coast Guard, and the European Union over the coming years.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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