Turkey poised to emerge as worldwide shipbuilding center

As efforts to make Turkey a leading hub for international world shipbuilding gain momentum, industry production centers are shifting from cold, humid climate in the north to countries with milder climate like Turkey, say analysts. Istanbul's Tuzla and Pendik shipyards and the Aegean Aliaga shipyard in Izmir could thus emerge as worldwide production centers for medium-sized ships, river and channel vessels, coasting vessels, large yachts and coast guard boats, they say. Next year Istanbul will host the second specialty fair of Hamburg Messe SMM, considered the world shipbuilding sector's most important fair. The first such fair in 2009 brought together 150 participants from 30 countries across the world, and attracted nearly 4,000 visitors, and the 2011 fair is expected to enjoy similar success.