The first ARES 18 SAR search and rescue boat built for the Directorate General of Coastal Safety (KEGM) has been launched, marking a key milestone in a 16-vessel programme intended to strengthen Türkiye’s maritime safety and emergency response capabilities.
The vessel entered the water at ARES Shipyard’s facilities in Antalya and will now proceed to outfitting, testing and certification before delivery. The programme forms part of KEGM’s ongoing efforts to modernise its operational fleet and enhance its ability to respond to emergencies along Türkiye’s coastline and busy maritime routes.
ARES Shipyard began construction of the class following a contract covering 16 boats. The launch of the first vessel represents the programme’s first major visible milestone and signals the transition from construction to sea trials and operational preparation.
Built for search and rescue missions
The ARES 18 SAR has been developed as a dedicated search and rescue platform capable of operating in challenging sea conditions. The aluminium-hulled vessel incorporates a self-righting design intended to improve survivability during demanding rescue operations.
According to previously released programme information, the class is designed to support a wide range of missions including search and rescue, casualty evacuation, emergency medical assistance, firefighting and towing operations. The vessels are approximately 17 metres long and are expected to achieve speeds exceeding 20 knots.
The boats will also carry dedicated firefighting equipment and rescue systems intended to support rapid response operations at sea.
Strengthening maritime safety capabilities
The launch marks the first visible milestone in KEGM’s 16-vessel fleet renewal programme, which aims to improve response times and operational effectiveness across Türkiye’s maritime areas of responsibility.
Once delivered, the new boats are expected to support a broad range of missions, from assisting vessels in distress and recovering survivors at sea to supporting emergency response operations following maritime accidents.
As maritime traffic continues to increase in the Turkish Straits and surrounding waters, modern search and rescue assets are becoming increasingly important for maintaining maritime safety and ensuring rapid intervention when emergencies occur.
From patrol craft to maritime safety
The programme also comes shortly after ARES Shipyard marked its 20th anniversary. Founded in Antalya in 2006, the company has grown into one of Türkiye’s leading builders of patrol craft and operational vessels, supplying platforms to military, coast guard, police and customs organisations in Türkiye and abroad.
In recent years, ARES has expanded beyond conventional patrol craft into new areas including unmanned maritime systems and specialised government vessels. The ARES 18 SAR programme adds maritime safety and search-and-rescue missions to a portfolio previously dominated by defence and law-enforcement applications.
