A four-year supply agreement between Sigmatex and Özata Shipyard has drawn to a successful completion. Ordered by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, Özata Shipyard was tasked to build a series of passenger ferries to ease traffic congestion in the city. The agreement, originally signed in 2013, led to the supply of 300 tonnes of NCF and UD carbon textiles.

The successful delivery of materials saw each of the 15-strong fleet completed in eight months, delivered in 90-day intervals.

The ‘Ships of the Future’ are now recognised as one of the first and most important projects of its kind in the world. Built from carbon fibre they are significantly more environmentally friendly given their longer life expectancy, compared to a steel equivalent, and lighter construction – less fuel is consumed. The ferries were constructed for use as sea transport vehicles and the final ferry in the fleet is anticipated to be commissioned by the final quarter in 2017.

Özata Shipyard was founded in 1985 in Tuzla, Istanbul. Operations began with the company performing steel sheet processing and piping works of newly and rebuilt ships; this service continued until 2002, when Özata Shipyard’s founder, Özdemir Ataseven made the required investments to bring the company forward into shipbuilding. Through discussions with government authorities the business acquired a 46,000 square metre site in the Altinova area, Yalova, where it has remained since. (SV)