Yalova—specifically the Altınova district—is widely recognized as one of the most important hubs for shipyards and shipbuilding and repair industries in Türkiye. Thanks to its proximity to Istanbul, Kocaeli, major shipping routes, and industrial centers, Yalova has become a key attraction for maritime companies and investments linked to global supply chains and international trade.
Where Is the Shipyard Zone Located in Yalova?
The main shipyard zone is located in Altınova, a specialized maritime industrial area that brings together dozens of companies operating in:
- Shipbuilding (Newbuilding)
- Ship repair and maintenance
- Marine conversions
- Yacht services and supporting industries
How Many Companies Operate in Yalova’s Shipyard Zone?
According to official sources from Yalova Province, the Altınova–Yalova shipyard zone includes 29 shipyards, with noticeable growth in employment over recent years.
“2025 Revenues” — What Do the Numbers Tell Us?
There is no single publicly released figure labeled “Total Revenues of Yalova’s Shipyards in 2025.” However, a reliable and widely cited financial indicator is exports related to the maritime sector (ships, yachts, and maritime services), which consistently lead Yalova’s exports.
Published 2025 Indicators (Exports)
- An economic report in Türkiye stated that Yalova’s exports exceeded USD 364 million during the first 7 months of 2025, with ships, yachts, and related services ranking at the top.
- Other media coverage reported that exports from Yalova’s shipyards reached approximately USD 395.753 million in the first 9 months of 2025.
How Should These Figures Be Interpreted as “Revenue Indicators”?
These figures represent export values, meaning foreign-currency income generated from goods and services sold abroad. They are the closest publicly available financial indicators reflecting the scale of shipyard activity in 2025 up to the reporting dates. However, they do not necessarily represent total domestic and international revenues of all companies operating in the zone.
Why Is the Shipyard Industry Economically Important for Yalova and Türkiye?
Job Creation and High-Value Industrial Employment
The concentration of shipyards supports thousands of jobs in:
- Welding, mechanics, and marine electrical systems
- Marine engineering and design
- Quality control and safety
- Logistics and supply-chain management
Official bodies in Altınova indicate steady employment growth in parallel with the expansion of the shipyard zone.
Boosting Exports and Foreign Currency Inflows
When ships, yachts, and maritime services dominate Yalova’s exports, this leads to:
- Increased foreign currency inflows
- Enhanced competitiveness of Türkiye’s maritime industry
- Strengthening of the trade balance through high-value products and services
The 2025 export indicators clearly demonstrate this contribution.
Integration with Major Industrial Centers around the Marmara Sea
One of Yalova’s key advantages is its proximity to:
- Istanbul (finance and services)
- Kocaeli (heavy industry)
- Bursa (manufacturing industries)
- Major transport routes and ports connected to global trade
This positioning makes the shipyards part of a broader industrial ecosystem, driving demand across supplier and service networks.
A Strong Supporting Industrial Network
Shipyards are not limited to ship construction alone. They stimulate a wide economic network that includes:
- Steel, coatings, pipes, and pumps
- Marine electronics
- Transportation, shipping, and customs services
- Interior and exterior installation contractors
- Vocational and technical training services
As a result, the economic impact of the shipyard sector on Yalova far exceeds its direct size.
Conclusion
The shipyard industry in Yalova (Altınova) has become one of the most important maritime industrial clusters in Türkiye, with 29 shipyards according to official sources. In terms of financial activity in 2025, the most clearly reported figures relate to export values, led by ships, yachts, and maritime services. These partial 2025 figures reached USD 364 million in the first 7 months and approximately USD 395.753 million in the first 9 months, based on published reports.
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