Gelibolu Shipyard started building the NB60 dry cargo vessel with 88 m, designed by Conoship International, with the steel cutting ceremony organized at its Gelibolu plant. The ceremony was attended by Gelibolu Town Governor Bekir Arabacı, Gelibolu Mayor Münir Mustafa Özacar and many other people.

The ceremony started with the singing of the Turkish National Anthem after which Ufuk Aksoy, Chairman of Board at Gelibolu Shipyard, delivered the keynote address. In his speech, Aksoy said: ‘’Here at Gelibolu Shipyard we are happy to start our new building project. This project is the first new building that we undertake after the passing of my beloved brother Mehmet Aksoy. Therefore, it is very meaningful and significant for our shipyard. I present my thanks to Oya Aksoy for her great efforts in the realization of this project and to the entire team and I wish it brings luck to all of us.’’

‘’This Project shall be Above-Standard’’

Oya Aksoy, a Member of the Board at Gelibolu Shipyard, provided important information about the new building project of the shipyard. Concerning the new building work which is expected to end in January 2024, she said: ‘’Our project has been designed as a future-ready one. As is known, issues such as fuel consumption, new fuel types, renewable energies and savings are among the hottest topics of our day in all new building areas. In a world of continuous and fast transformation, our industry will also experience quick changes in everything. As a shipyard that makes investments in innovation and technology in real terms, we designed the vessel with a system that needs only a minor revision to shift to the new system, regardless of the fuel type in the future. Our electrically-driven vessel that ensures 10% savings shall be a new building which is above the current standards.”

Town Governor Bekir Arabacı: Gelibolu Shipyard carries on the legacy of its ancestors with success.

Attending the steel cutting ceremony, Gelibolu Town Governor Bekir Arabacı talked as follows:

‘’As a close follower of the project right from the start, I must say I am very happy to see its realization and to be witnessing this beautiful moment. As you know, the first shipyard was established during the Ottoman Empire in Gallipoli. The first and the most important place of shipping and shipyard operations, which is the legacy of our ancestors, has always been our region. Gelibolu Shipyard is the first shipyard that comes to mind in Gelibolu which is the origin of shipyard operations in our land. Gelibolu Shipyard has been carrying on this legacy with success and making us feel proud. On the occasion of this exciting project, I sincerely congratulate and present my thanks to Gelibolu Shipyard for carrying on our historical legacy and adding value to our country and our economy.’’

Following the ceremonial speeches, the first steel for the new build was cut with applause. The ceremony ended after a family photograph was taken with the board of directors of Gelibolu Shipyard, the protocol members and the workers in memory of the day.