A significant expansion of Turkey’s maritime industry is set to take place as the Turkish defense shipbuilder Desan has announced plans to establish its first overseas facility in Malaysia. This development comes as part of Ankara’s strategy to extend its maritime influence in Southeast Asia.
Desan has entered into a joint venture and cooperation agreement with the Straits of Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone (SM-WEZ), a state-owned entity managed by the Malacca government. This partnership aims to develop a maritime hub in the coastal region, which will serve multiple purposes. The facility will not only focus on the sustainment, overhaul, and upgrades of military and commercial vessels but will also include assembly works to bolster local shipbuilding capabilities.
The project was officially launched in Istanbul, where officials outlined the ambitious plans for the facility. Preliminary engineering studies have already commenced, with bathymetric surveys and soil assessments successfully completed. The shipyard will occupy approximately 171 acres (69 hectares) and is projected to break ground in early 2026. Desan anticipates that the facility will become operational within two years, strategically positioned along one of the globe’s busiest maritime trade routes.
In addition to the new facility, this initiative builds on Desan’s existing collaboration with Malaysia. The company is currently constructing a Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS-1) for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, also known as the government’s official coast guard service. Recently, Desan secured a contract for a second vessel within the MPMS program, which is intended to be equipped with advanced technology, including sensors, weapons systems, communications facilities, and even an unmanned surface vessel.
The steel-cutting ceremony for the MPMS-1 took place in July 2025, with plans for delivery anticipated by 2029. Desan’s board Chairman, Cenk İsmail Kaptanoğlu, expressed optimism regarding the burgeoning partnership with Malaysia, highlighting its potential for long-term industrial collaboration based on technology transfer and shared capacity building.
Kaptanoğlu emphasized that these developments are poised to deepen strategic cooperation between Turkey and Malaysia, fostering lasting value in the regional maritime ecosystem.
