Mohammed Al Barwani has acquired a majority stake in the prestigious Turkish super yacht manufacturer, Proteksan Turquoise. This represents the second major investment in the super yacht industry for Dr Barwani, who has been the owner of the premier Dutch shipyard Oceanco since 2010.
Luxury mega yacht Vicky built by Proteksan Turquoise
“This is a strategic investment to capitalise on the differentiated opportunities in the super yacht industry” says Dr. Barwani. When asked about possible operational synergies, he was clear that the two yards will be kept separate and independent. “We will fully respect the differences between these two brands. Each has its own distinct strength. And that’s exactly why I have invested in them both.”
Proteksan Turquoise will focus on yachts between 40 metres and 80 metres whilst Oceanco builds above 80 meters. “But length is only part of it,” he says. “Different owner segments have different needs and the best way to meet these needs is through differentiated strategies.”
Proteksan Turquoise was established in 2001 by Mehmet Karabeyoglu and his late partner Hayati Kahmi. The yard at Tuzla, outside Istanbul, employs a highly skilled workforce which has built twenty super yachts including motor yacht Talisman, superyacht Vicky and luxury yacht Ileria, launched in 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively.
“This is great news for the yard,” says Mehmet Karabeyoglu, CEO of Proteksan Turquoise. “Mohammed Al Barwani has a great track record in business with successful investments in a wide range of industries as diverse as petroleum, mining, engineering, hotels and insurance.”
Turkey has a highly skilled workforce with a long tradition in shipbuilding. Proteksan Turquoise is considered to be the leading Turkish yard. Dr. Barwani spoke of plans to enhance this reputation further by combining leading edge design and innovative engineering with enhanced quality control and management systems.
“This is an exciting project and I very much look forward to launching future projects as well as yachts currently under construction.”
