Türkiye shipyard growth drives demand for vessel protection

The number of shipyards in Türkiye has increased from 37 in 2002 to approximately 85 today, significantly boosting newbuild capacity. However, ship repair and maintenance remain central to the industry as shipowners seek to extend vessel service lives.

Concentrated in the Tuzla, Yalova, and Kocaeli regions, Turkish yards maintained or repaired 46.4 million dwt in 2024. While 2025 throughput is projected at 42.4 million dwt, long-term outlooks suggest a strong position in the international repair market. According to the Turkish Chamber of Shipping, vessels over 1,000gt had an average age of 22.2 years as of January 2025.

This aging fleet is driving demand for high-quality protective coatings to reduce long-term maintenance costs and prevent expensive steel renewal work caused by corrosion. Industry experts note that effective coating durability is essential for cargo holds, which face constant abrasion and moisture during loading and discharge operations.