NewsTCG 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 Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey and STM A.Ş. on 9 February, 2021 for the completion of the project for the construction and delivery of two Logistics Support Ships to the Turkish Naval Forces Command. The project was initially launched by the SSB in 2014 but could not be completed with the contracted shipyard.
Activities in the Logistics Support Ship Project with STM in the main contractor role started on 24 March, 2021.
Under the contract, STM is the main contractor in the project, responsible for programme management, procurement, assembly, ship outfitting, integration, testing and ILS.
All construction activities in the project are being carried out at ADA Shipyard. 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, after the completion of outfitting and the fulfilment of all test and trials in just 8 months. The second ship in the project, ÜTĞM. ARİF EKMEKÇİ (A-575), is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2024.
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
— STM Defence International (@StmDefenceInt) July 7, 2023
👉 For more information: https://t.co/1H1IP546S3 pic.twitter.com/bLWQBWuNxq
