Burak Akgül Leads Turquoise Yachts Through Landmark Launches and a New Era for Turkish Superyachts

Written By: Pritam Nath

Pritam Nath

Pritam Nath is a published writer, journalist, and media researcher with over seven years of experience in journalism, content creation, and strategic communication. He specializes in media studies, journalism and mass communication, content strategy, and audience-focused storytelling. A certified journalist, he has produced research-driven news, feature stories, and industry analysis across media, travel, tourism, hospitality, culture, and strategic communication. Combining academic expertise with practical experience in digital publishing, Pritam creates insightful, engaging, and credible content that informs diverse audiences. He continues to explore emerging trends in global media, journalism, tourism, and digital communication while developing impactful content strategies.

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August 26, 2026 4:06 PM |

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Turquoise Yachts is one of the key super Yachts category entering a new phase of development, as the Istanbul-based shipbuilder inked a record-breaking delivery, followed by a new demand rising in Middle East yacht tourism. Cruise tourism is marking a news trend due to the advancement of information and communication technology in the field. This phenomenon accelerates cruise tourism at a new kind of pace. The leadership change in the cruise sector of turky streengthening the luxury water tourism through newly defined dimensions.

The leadership change comes as Turkey’s ship-making industry resumes efforts to strengthen its global superyacht market. Turquoise has given particularly strong impetus to that progress in 2026, continuing its 87-metre Project Vento, later bestowed as Angelique, before rolling out the 76-metre hybrid yacht N2H. Angelique subsequently became the largest yacht ever built in Turkey, while N2H represented the yard’s first hybrid yacht.

A Leadership Change Built on Industry Experience

Akgül’s appointment represents continuity rather than a complete change of direction for Turquoise. He had already served as a board member and executive director, giving him an understanding of the yard’s operations, commercial relationships and long-term development before assuming the CEO role.

His professional background also extends beyond Turkey. His career includes more than three decades in the yacht-building industry, including substantial experience with Perini Navi and foreign-owned yacht-building operations in Turkey. That international perspective is particularly relevant as Turkish builders compete for increasingly complex projects from clients around the world.

For owners considering a custom superyacht, the value of such experience extends beyond construction itself. Large yacht projects require coordination between naval architecture, engineering, design, classification, outfitting, suppliers and owner representatives over several years. A leadership team familiar with international standards can therefore play an important role in maintaining confidence throughout the build process.

Angelique Sets a New Benchmark for Turkish Yacht Building

The launch of Project Vento in January 2026 was one of the most significant moments in Turquoise’s history. The yacht measured approximately 87.7 metres and was described as the largest yacht built in Turkey at the time of launch. Following construction and sea trials, the vessel was delivered as Angelique at approximately 88 metres.

Angelique has five decks and around 2,646 gross tonnes, with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. The project was developed with H2 Yacht Design, continuing a longstanding relationship between the shipyard and the British design studio.

The importance of Angelique goes beyond dimensions. Building a yacht at this scale tests a shipyard’s engineering resources, project management, workforce and supplier network. Its successful completion demonstrates that Turkish facilities can handle projects competing at the upper end of the international custom-yacht market.

N2H Brings Hybrid Technology Into the Yard’s Portfolio

Only a few months after the launch of Project Vento, Turquoise introduced another major project. The 76-metre N2H, formerly known as Project Arrow, became the shipyard’s first hybrid yacht. Naval architecture was developed by Turquoise, while the exterior was styled by Team For Design – Enrico Gobbi and the interior was created by H2 Yacht Design.

The sequence was notable because two yachts based on Turquoise’s 80-metre platform were launched within approximately three months. For the shipyard, that demonstrated an ability to manage overlapping large-scale construction programmes while incorporating different technical requirements.

Hybrid propulsion is also strategically important for the wider yacht industry. Owners increasingly expect greater efficiency, quieter operation and more flexible onboard energy management without sacrificing the range, comfort and performance associated with large yachts. N2H therefore gives Turquoise an opportunity to demonstrate its capabilities in an area likely to become increasingly relevant to future projects.

Why Turkey Is Attracting Global Superyacht Attention

Turkey has developed into an increasingly important centre for superyacht construction, supported by established shipyards, skilled craftspeople, engineering expertise and competitive production capabilities. The country’s rise is particularly visible in the growing number of projects entering the 70-metre-plus category.

Turquoise’s recent achievements contribute to that broader transformation. The yard has progressed from established mid-to-large custom yacht construction towards increasingly ambitious flagship projects, while continuing to work with internationally recognised design and technical partners.

For the travel and luxury sector, this development matters because modern superyachts are not simply vessels. They function as private destinations, accommodation platforms and mobile bases for exploring coastal regions. The quality of their construction directly affects the experience owners and guests receive when travelling between Mediterranean and global cruising destinations.

Craftsmanship Remains Central to the Business

Technology may be changing yacht construction, but craftsmanship remains a defining part of the Turkish proposition. Large custom yachts require highly specialised work across metal construction, joinery, cabinetry, engineering, electrical systems, interiors and finishing.

Turquoise’s recent projects illustrate how traditional skills and advanced engineering can operate together. Angelique demonstrates the yard’s ability to execute an exceptionally large custom project, while N2H adds hybrid technology to the portfolio.

That combination is important for maintaining credibility with experienced yacht owners. Buyers at this level are not purchasing a standard product. They are commissioning a complex, highly personalised asset in which reliability, finish quality and long-term support are fundamental considerations.

A Long-Term Strategy Beyond Individual Launches

The immediate success of Angelique and N2H provides momentum, but Akgül’s challenge is to turn individual milestones into sustainable long-term growth.

Turquoise has already demonstrated that it can deliver large yachts at a scale that places Turkey firmly in the conversation among leading global yacht-building nations. The next stage will involve maintaining consistency, developing technology and continuing to attract owners seeking genuinely customised projects.

The yard’s 80-metre platform strategy also provides a foundation for this development. Angelique is described as the second and largest of five custom yachts derived from that platform, showing how a proven engineering base can be adapted to individual owner requirements while preserving efficiencies in development and construction.

The Outlook for Turkish Yacht Building

The direction of Turkish yacht making is enhanced and defined by scale, luxury, and international cooperation. The nation is no longer considered simply a usual location for yacht building; leading yards are gaining recognition for their ability to deliver technically demanding and design-led fleets.

Turquoise’s progress under Akgül provides clear evidence. Its latest product combines Turkish construction expertise with world-class design containing new propulsion technology. That model could expedite the country’s appeal among owners looking beyond traditional European yacht-building markets.

For tourist and fleet owners, the implications are significant. More capable Turkish cruise yachts mean greater choice in the world-class custom-yacht market, while advances in hybrid technology and large-scale construction could influence the way future luxury vessels are designed and operated.

Akgül’s tenure therefore begins at a particularly consequential moment. With a record-setting flagship delivered, a first hybrid yacht launched and an established pipeline of large custom projects, Turquoise enters its next chapter with evidence that Turkish yacht building can compete at the highest level of the international market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Burak Akgül?

Burak Akgül is the chief executive officer of Turquoise Yachts and has more than three decades of experience in the yacht-building industry.

When did Burak Akgül become CEO of Turquoise Yachts?

He assumed the CEO position following the planned departure of Patrik von Sydow, with the leadership transition taking effect in late 2025.

What is Angelique?

Angelique is an approximately 88-metre custom superyacht built by Turquoise Yachts and formerly known as Project Vento.

Why is Angelique significant for Turkey?

It became the largest yacht ever built in Turkey, representing a major milestone for the country’s superyacht construction capabilities.

What is N2H?

N2H is a 76-metre custom superyacht launched by Turquoise Yachts in April 2026.

Why is N2H important to Turquoise?

N2H is the shipyard’s first hybrid yacht, adding new propulsion technology to its portfolio.

Who designed Angelique?

H2 Yacht Design was responsible for both the exterior and interior design of Angelique.

What does Turquoise’s recent growth indicate?

Its latest launches indicate increasing capability in large custom yacht construction and stronger positioning within the international superyacht market.

Why is Turkey important to yacht owners?

Turkey offers established shipbuilding infrastructure, experienced craftspeople and growing expertise in large, technically complex custom yachts.

What is the outlook for Turquoise Yachts?

The yard’s recent record-setting projects, hybrid technology and large-yacht platform strategy provide a strong foundation for continued expansion and international competitiveness.