ASFAT has achieved a world first. The critical "Submarine Floating Dock," unique in its features globally, has successfully completed its tests and trials to meet the construction and modernization needs of the Turkish Naval Forces Command's submarines. The acceptance inspections of the Submarine Dock were concluded on June 1, 2023, and it was handed over to the Directorate General of Shipyards. Thus, the Submarine Dock was incorporated into the inventory of the Ministry of National Defense to primarily serve Turkish Navy submarines.

The Submarine Dock project, which was carried out by the main contractor ASFAT, a subsidiary of the Ministry of National Defense, was initiated to enhance the infrastructure and capabilities for submarine construction and maintenance at the Gölcük Shipyard Command during a period when national submarine production and the maintenance, repair, and modernization activities of the submarines currently in the inventory are rapidly and intensively ongoing. In this context, being part of the national submarine production goal, it holds critical strategic importance for the Blue Homeland by fostering the development of national technology.

Established in 2018 under the directives and approval of the President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, ASFAT continues to contribute to the development and exportation of the Turkish defense industry with the dynamism provided by its competent personnel structure with international experience and effective organization. Operating under the principle of delivering the best at the most affordable price in the shortest time with the highest rate of local content, ASFAT has successfully launched the unique Submarine Dock to the sea.

The Submarine Floating Dock Project distinguishes itself from conventional dock construction projects due to its mission profile, needs it will address, and design. It was launched during a period when the pandemic had global impacts, causing various challenges in supply chains and costs, thanks to the determined, selfless, and constructive approaches of all stakeholders.

Over 30 subcontractors participated in the project. Continued with the efforts and dedication of Turkish engineers and workers, the project is exemplary in maintaining the highest level of domestic contribution. The knowledge and business model approaches gained within the scope of the project serve the advancement and development of ASFAT, the Directorate General of Shipyards, and all stakeholders involved as contractors and suppliers, creating significant experience for similar projects.

The Submarine Floating Dock, designed to meet user needs, will perform the tasks of docking submarines currently in the Naval Forces Command's inventory and those planned to enter the inventory in the subsequent period for their scheduled maintenance. It will also handle unscheduled docking in case of malfunctions, accidents, and emergencies for these elements. The Dock can be used for docking pontoons of this and other docks and can be relocated as needed.

Built to military ship standards, the roof of the Dock can withstand winds up to 100 knots, an unlikely environmental condition. It is also constructed according to damage stability conditions not found in other civilian docks. This feature is indispensable for docking submarines, which are highly valuable platforms. The Dock has the capacity to accommodate 28 dock personnel and 14 submarine duty personnel for five days without resupply. Additionally, thanks to its four diesel generators, the Submarine Dock can conduct maintenance and repair activities for submarines anywhere without being tethered to a port.

The quality control and survey activities of the project and the classification of the Submarine Dock are carried out by Türk Loydu, which is competent in military ship survey and classification.

The Dock has an empty weight of 4000 tons and a lifting capacity of 3000 tons. Including the overhangs at the bow and stern, it has a total length of 105 meters. With a width of 25.1 meters, a corresponding inner width of 17.05 meters, a height of 19.95 meters, and a diving depth of 16.5 meters, it can reach this depth in 75 minutes. With these features, it is capable of docking submarines currently in the inventory and those likely to enter in the subsequent period.

The Dock Closure Mechanism consists of a roof system that can be automatically controlled in three sections and two automatically controlled guillotine doors located at the bow and stern. Thanks to this feature, not found in its class worldwide, it aims to prevent disruptions in maintenance, repair, and modernization activities of docked submarines in adverse weather conditions, ensuring confidentiality and security are not compromised.