The 14th National Ship and Yacht Design Competition awarded young designers on December 15, 2025, promoting innovation in the maritime industry.
The 14th National Ship and Yacht Design Competition, organized by the Ship Yacht and Services Exporters Association (GYHİB), concluded with an awards ceremony held on December 15, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Asia Hotel – Kurtköy.
This year's competition aimed to encourage young designers and contribute to the industry's development, with the theme focusing on the 'Design of Motor Sailer Vessels Under 24 Meters.' The awarded projects were showcased during the ceremony, where the first prize was 180,000 TL, the second prize was 120,000 TL, and the third prize was 100,000 TL. Additionally, a Jury Special Award of 60,000 TL was presented.
The ceremony, hosted by GYHİB President Cem Seven, was attended by notable figures including Mustafa Gültepe, President of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), Rear Admiral Recep Erdinç Yetkin, Commander of the Istanbul Shipyard, Prof. Dr. Nafiz Arıca, Rector of Piri Reis University, and Başaran Bayrak, Chair of the İMEAK DTO Assembly, along with industry representatives, academics, and students.
During the opening, Cem Seven delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of innovation and design in the maritime sector. He stated, 'I greet you all with respect and welcome you to this meaningful organization that we have organized for the 14th time. Our goal is to encourage our youth towards innovation, emphasize the importance of design, and equip them as more competent individuals in our industry.'
Seven expressed pride in the success of past competitions, noting that many participants have since engaged in national and international projects. He highlighted the participation of 49 students from 13 universities with 17 projects this year, stating that the experiences gained and connections established are as valuable as the awards themselves.
'Our sector is strengthening its power day by day in many areas from production to export,' he added. 'Strong participation in international organizations reinforces our country’s and our sector’s global reputation.'
In closing, he encouraged the youth, saying, 'The future of this country will be shaped by your efforts, dreams, and courage. As you produce, this success story will continue to grow.' He thanked all students, academics, jury members, industry representatives, and supporting institutions for their contributions to the event.
Following speeches from İMEAK DTO President Tamer Kıran and TİM President Mustafa Gültepe, the awards were distributed to the competition winners, celebrating the innovative designs of motor sailer vessels under 24 meters.
