DESAN has crossed another significant threshold in its strategic collaboration developed with Malaysia in the fields of defense and maritime. The groundbreaking ceremony for the shipyard project, implemented within the integrated development zone SM-WEZ (Straits of Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone) established by the Malacca State, took place on April 21, 2026.

The project, which is a concrete indicator of the strong cooperation between Turkey and Malaysia, marks DESAN's first shipyard investment abroad.

During the ceremony conducted under the leadership of Malacca State Chief Minister YAB Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf bin Yusoh, senior government representatives, local authorities, and industry stakeholders gathered, while DESAN was represented by its Chairman of the Board, Cenk İsmail Kaptanoğlu.

The first phase of the shipyard is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

In accordance with the Joint Venture and Cooperation Agreement signed between DESAN and its local partner, a modern shipyard is being constructed where military and commercial shipbuilding, as well as maintenance, repair, and modernization activities will be carried out. The facility, planned on a total area of 171 acres, is designed with Phase 1 covering 94 acres and Phase 2 covering 77 acres.

Fieldwork officially began with the groundbreaking process following the completion of engineering studies, bathymetric measurements, and soil surveys. The goal is to complete the first phase of the shipyard by the end of 2027 and make it operational.

Cenk İsmail Kaptanoğlu: “A New Phase of Knowledge and Technology Sharing”

Cenk İsmail Kaptanoğlu, Chairman of the Board of DESAN Shipyard, expressed the following in his evaluation of the groundbreaking ceremony:

“This project we are implementing in Malaysia is one of the most concrete steps of DESAN’s global growth vision. The groundbreaking ceremony we held today represents not only the beginning of an investment but also a new phase of strong and sustainable cooperation based on knowledge, technology, and capability sharing between Turkey and Malaysia.

We wholeheartedly believe in Malaysia's potential, its strategic location, and its vision for development in the maritime sector. We believe that this investment will lay the foundations for a regional maritime hub.

With this project we have realized together with our local partner and SM-WEZ, we will not only contribute to the regional maritime industry but also add tangible and lasting value to the increasing economic and strategic cooperation between Turkey and Malaysia. We believe that this strong partnership we have established with Malaysia will pave the way for larger and more strategic collaborations in the future.”

Source: SeaNews Türkiye