2023 November December Marina World

WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENTS

WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENTS Welcoming megayachts to Istanbul Atakoy Marina and Atakoy Mega Yacht Marina are core elements in the Istanbul Tourism Centre (ITC) mega project to make the Istanbul seafront a new destination for the city. Newly appointed general manager, Artun Ertem, brings extensive industry experience to a role that is focused on putting Atakoy Mega Yacht Marina firmly on the superyacht circuit. Atakoy Marina, built over 30 years ago with over 850 berths, remains at the forefront of the Turkish marina sector. It was the first marina in Turkey to earn 5 Gold Anchors from The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) and has retained the anchors since 1989, along with Blue Flag accreditation. “Our marina is a kind of flagship for the Turkish marina industry,” Artun Ertem says. “And out main goal is to keep the service level as high as possible.” The adjacent Mega Yacht Marina is a much newer facility, built with 232 berths for vessels of 25-100m (82- 330ft). It is the only marina in Turkey to be designed and built specifically for superyachts but for various reasons has attracted few boats. “Atakoy Marina is currently at over 110% capacity and all new enquiries are forwarded to the new basin,” Ertem explains. “Atakoy Mega Yacht Marina started accepting yachts for the first time in 2016 but, unfortunately, geopolitical situations and the pandemic have negatively affected operations of the new facility.” Owners, Dati Holding – a development, investment and management company founded by experienced nautical industry professionals in 2004 – stepped in. “Dati Holding focused its concentration on securing an extension of the concession lease period until 2070 and this goal has been successfully achieved. As of the beginning of the spring season, we have monitored increased traffic of megayachts in the marina compared to previous years. We see this as a positive indicator for future occupancy projections for the facility.” The concrete floating pontoon system in Atakoy Marina was built and supplied by SF Marina and the floating concrete pontoons for the Mega Yacht Marina were custom-built by a Turkish concrete pontoon manufacturer. There are also quay walls in the Mega Yacht Marina, which are ideal for hosting some of the larger vessels. Services are provided via Plus dockside pedestals, and onsite facilities are plentiful, including restaurants, cafés, supermarket, health and sports centre, swimming pools, tennis courts, a children’s playground and 5 star hotel. Both marinas also have boatyards: “One is operated by the marina and the other is expected to become operational as of 2025. At the moment, Artun Ertem (inset) is focused on putting Atakoy Mega Yacht Marina (left) firmly on the superyacht circuit. the lifting and launching operations are undertaken with a 75 ton Marine Travelift. The Mega Yacht Marina is expected to have a 300 ton travel hoist and a boat mover. There is a possibility that we may franchise our boatyard so we would be open to proposals by interested parties,” Ertem says. Atakoy also benefits from being a core element of the ITC project. The Port Galleria plan, which surrounds the landside of the marina, offers a shopping mall, leisure and activities facilities and a conference centre. There are also four major hotels and Marina Park private residences. Safety, security and environmental management are a big focus. “Environmental sensitivity is a top priority for the marina management and all team members. We have a tenant operating the fuel station facility and the marina has a full capacity pump-out service established in line with the legal obligations.” “The marina management team has prepared an extensive risk analysis and action plan as part of its environmental management approach. An Emergency Response Plan is also a significant part of this task. All works have been undertaken in line with existing legislations and codes of practice. www.marinaworld.com – November/December 2023 19