ARES Shipyard introduces new ARES Yachts brand at Monaco Yacht Show
September 2023 - News
Announced during this year's Monaco Yacht Show, Antalya-based ARES Shipyard has developed its own brand of superyachts named ARES Yachts with three new 50-metre-plus projects already in development.
ARES Shipyard was originally founded in 2006 by the Kalafatoğlu family and quickly established itself as one of the leading providers of naval, utility and support vessels. To date, the yard has delivered more than 230 vessels across more than 15 countries and is now looking to expand its range into the luxury yacht arena.
The yard currently occupies an enclosed production facility spanning 40,000 square metres, which will also house the construction of full-custom deliveries from ARES Yachts of up to 90 metres in length. Backed by a workforce of more than 450 individuals, the new brand will have access to all of the yard's existing carpentry, composite, metal and electrical workshops, all of which are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and machinery.
New projects already underway at the yard include the 61.6-metre Simena, a steel-hulled cruising ketch penned by Taka Yacht Design and Design Unlimited. The yacht features a carbon-epoxy superstructure with aluminium masts and rigging from Chris Mitchell, as well as hybrid propulsion that will carry the yacht to a top speed of 15 knots and cruising speed of 11 knots. According to the yard, the sailing yacht is currently in-build at the yard's Antalya facility and is expected for delivery in December 2024.
ARES Yachts has also entered into construction on a 50-metre motor yacht named Spitfire, which was based on a similar foundation to the yard's 2018 award-winning 48-metre patrol vessel. Designed in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects and Bannenberg & Rowell Design, the 499GT Spitfire boasts a newly tailored hull form and hybrid propulsion that will enable the yacht to reach a top speed of 23 knots.
Further down the pipeline, the yard is currently in the development stages of a 54-metre fast displacement explorer yacht named Atlas. The yacht is being designed alongside Italian yacht design firm Hot Lab, complete with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure.
ARES Yachts also revealed that it has begun to develop a new collection of superyachts ranging in size from 65, 75 and 85 metres. The series will centre around a diesel-electric hybrid pod system, and will also explore the integration of alternative fuel types such as methanol. Currently, the yard is working with Lateral Naval Architects to engineer the project, with the exterior and interior designers yet to be selected.
Leaning on the yard's proven experience, ARES Shipyard chairman Kerim Kalafatoğlu said the yard was poised for a jump into the neighbouring superyacht sector. "We have already been recognised as being both Türkiye fastest-growing company and its largest exporter of military and commercial vehicles. This makes it the perfect time for us to expand our offering and show the superyacht industry what we are capable of," he explained.
“Whether it’s a sleek and modern superyacht or a majestic ocean explorer, we aim to redefine what is possible on the big blue.”