The Rise of Türkiye’s Superyacht Ecosystem and Xone Superyacht’s Role in Global Standardization
Türkiye’s Rapid Rise in the Superyacht Industry
Türkiye has progressed from an emerging player to the world’s second-largest superyacht builder. This growth reflects decades of technical advancement, expanding infrastructure and rising global demand. Yet the real challenge today is sustaining this momentum through stronger governance, clearer regulatory structures and a more internationally aligned professional ecosystem.
During his panel at Superyacht Summit Türkiye, Xone Superyacht Group Founder & Chairman Levent Baktır emphasized that Türkiye is not the new kid in town. He underlined the need for long-term sustainability and highlighted the importance of aligning Türkiye’s practices with global expectations.
His central point was the need for harmonization among various yacht codes used by different flag states and his long-standing vision of establishing a single internationally recognized yacht code. He also stressed that training and certification systems must evolve in the same direction to ensure consistency and professionalism across the sector.
Xone’s International Influence and the Partnerships
Xone’s role in Europe demonstrates how Türkiye’s expertise is already shaping global superyacht standards. One of the most notable examples is the company’s collaboration with Malta, Europe’s largest flag state and a country actively developing its superyacht strategy. Xone worked with the Maltese Transport Ministry and PwC to develop a strategic master plan focused on certification, training and long-term industry development.
This partnership led to the creation of XSA-Malta, an IMO-approved superyacht training center established together with Maritime MT. Meanwhile, Xone’s Göcek academy became the first non-EU institution authorized to deliver EU-recognized superyacht certifications. This milestone positioned Türkiye as a contributor to global maritime standards rather than just a service provider.
In 2023, Xone expanded its international footprint further by signing a three-year agreement with Tropical Charters Sdn Bhd to represent and strengthen the Malaysian flag across the Mediterranean. This appointment reinforces Xone’s expertise in flag registration and survey services, already recognized by several IMO-listed flag states, and highlights the company’s growing role as a link between emerging maritime administrations and the Mediterranean superyacht market.
Raising Professional Standards Through Advanced Training
Xone’s educational approach strengthens Türkiye’s role in the global superyacht ecosystem. The company operates Türkiye’s only IYT Worldwide Instructor–authorized school, ensuring that crew and maritime professionals receive training that meets international expectations. Its academy provides a structured pathway supported by globally accredited programs, including:
Internationally recognized certifications across all professional levels, from entry-level competencies to advanced ocean qualifications
A hybrid learning model that increases accessibility while maintaining rigorous training standards
Facilities and programs designed to support both local and international crew development
A training network that connects Türkiye, Malta and the broader Mediterranean region through aligned curriculum and certification practices
Through this foundation, Xone contributes to a consistent, high-quality talent pool that supports the long-term competitiveness of the regional superyacht industry.
A Smarter Framework for Future Growth
In his Summit remarks, Baktır also introduced the concept of the “living contract.” Yacht building and refit projects evolve continually, making it essential for contracts to be structured with flexibility while maintaining clarity. He suggested that the industry would benefit from a standardized contract model that still allows for revisions as the project progresses. This approach reduces disputes, increases transparency and supports healthier collaboration between owners, shipyards and technical partners.
A New Standard for a New Era
Türkiye’s ascent in the superyacht world is now defined not only by production capacity but by its contributions to global governance, training and certification. Xone represents this transformation. Through its work on international partnerships, educational excellence and forward-looking regulatory ideas, the company contributes to shaping a more unified and modern superyacht ecosystem.
Türkiye is no longer simply building yachts. It is helping define the standards that will guide the next chapter of the global maritime industry, and Xone is one of the companies leading that evolution.
