TCG UTGM. ARIF EKMEKCI Logistic Support Ship Begins Sea Trials

Built under the main contractorship of STM as the second ship in the Logistics Support Ship Project, TCG UTĞM. ARİF EKMEKÇİ (A-575) took to the seas for the first time to begin its Ship Acceptance Tests after the flag hoisting ceremony.

STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik Tic. A.Ş., one of the leading companies in the Turkish defence sector, is continuing its efforts to equip the Turkish Naval Forces with modern and indigenous naval platforms.

The flag hoisting ceremony for TCG Ütğm. Arif Ekmekçi (A-575), the second ship built under the contract for the Logistics Support Ship Project, signed between the Defence Industry Agency (SSB) and STM on 9 February, 2021, was held on 5 July, 2023. After the ceremony, TCG Ütğm. Arif Ekmekçi (A-575) made its first venture into the Blue Homeland for its Ship Acceptance (Cruise) Tests. STM delivered TCG Yzb. Güngör Durmuş (A-574), the first ship in the programme, to Naval Forces Command on 22 December, 2022.

“To Be Delivered to the Navy After Cruise Tests”

Özgür Güleryüz, General Manager of STM, said:

“The second ship of the Turkish Navy Logistics Support Ship Project, of which we are the main contractor, is TCG UTGM. ARİF EKMEKÇİ (A-575) started sea trials. After completing the sea trials of the ship, we will ensure it enters the inventory of Turkish Navy as soon as possible.  I congratulate all colleagues and stakeholders who contributed to the programme. We will continue to strengthen the Turkish Navy with indigenous and modern platforms!”.

Logistic Support Ship Project

A contract was signed between the Defence Industry Agency (SSB) of the Republic of Türkiye and STM Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş. on 9 February, 2021 for the construction and delivery of two Logistics Support Ships to the Turkish Naval Forces Command.

Under the contract, STM is the main contractor in the project, responsible for programme management, procurement, assembly, ship outfitting, integration, testing and ILS.

TCG YZB. GÜNGÖR DURMUŞ (A-574) the first ship in the Logistics Support Ship Project, was delivered to Turkish Naval Forces Command at a ceremony held on 8 December, 2021.

The second ship in the project, ÜTĞM. ARİF EKMEKÇİ (A-575), is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2024. All construction activities in the project are being carried out at ADA Shipyard.

The Logistics Support Ship Project was initiated to increase the supply and logistics capabilities of the Turkish Naval Forces. The ships, measuring 106.51 meters in length and a beam of 16.80 meters, will operate with a crew of 82, and are supplied with a helipad that can accommodate a 15-ton  helicopter.

The ships can sail at speeds of 12+ knots with a cruising range of 9,500 nautical miles, and are equipped with two 12.7 mm ASELSAN STAMP. They also equiped with cranes with a lifting capacity of 18 tons and can carry 8 containers, and have 631 tons of drinking water, 336 tons of JP-5 helicopter fuel and 4,036 tons of F-76 fuel capability.

STM’s previous naval projects include “PNS MOAWIN”, a Navy Fleet Tanker constructed for Pakistan in Karachi, which was delivered to the Pakistan Navy in 2018.

🚢 The second ship of the #TurkishNavy Logistics Support Ship Project, of which we are the main contractor, is TCG UTGM. ARİF EKMEKÇİ (A-575) started sea trials. ⚓ 🇹🇷 #STMDefence #LogisticsSupportShip

👉 For more information: https://t.co/1H1IP546S3 pic.twitter.com/bLWQBWuNxq

— STM Defence International (@StmDefenceInt) July 7, 2023