Damen Shipyards Antalya recently hosted a kick-off meeting with delegations from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Turkish Coast Guard (TURCG), and the European Union to mark a new contract for thirteen Search and Rescue (SAR) 1906 vessels. This initiative is part of an EU-funded project designed to enhance the operational capacity of the Turkish Coast Guard. The order follows the successful deployment of fifteen similar vessels delivered in 2016 and 2019, which have already contributed to saving over 27,000 lives.
The thirteen new vessels will be constructed locally at Damen Shipyards Antalya, with deliveries scheduled throughout 2027 and 2028. This production cycle leverages a local maritime supply chain and a specialized regional workforce capable of delivering approximately 28 vessels annually. The project reinforces the long-standing partnership between Damen, the IOM, and Turkish authorities to support critical life-saving operations at sea.
The SAR 1906 is a 19.5-meter aluminum craft featuring a Damen Sea Axe bow for high fuel efficiency and a self-righting capability for extreme weather conditions. Capable of reaching speeds up to 30 knots, each vessel can carry a crew of six and up to 120 survivors. Current data shows the existing fleet maintains over 90% operational availability, providing a reliable platform for the Turkish Coast Guard’s ongoing search-and-rescue missions.