ARES Shipyard is by relative standards, young in the industry, but the more prudent will recognise that youth should not be mistaken for inexperience. As additional proof of this and their abilities, ARES has been awarded by the Turkish Ministry of National Defence and NATO, for Facility Security Clearance Certificates, as well as being an ISO9001 certified company, demonstrating a maturity far beyond that, which years might suggest. Indeed, ARES have cut their teeth in developing their experience and high level of skills in the design and build of Military and Para-Military patrol vessels delivered to a variety of Navies, Coast Guard Agencies and Maritime Enforcement Authorities. ARES Shipyard prides itself, in technical excellence and innovative design, coupled with a highly skilled and experienced workforce.

Ship building has taken place on the shores of the Mediterranean for millennia, and this is exactly where ARES Shipyard is located, on the South Coast of Turkey in the Antalya Free Zone. Ironic almost, that they are based here amongst ancient pirate strongholds, when the vessels that ARES build, are for Coastal Law Enforcement Duties, to deter and catch the modern day pirate. ARES have their own modern facilities here, fully equipped for the construction of all their vessels up to 65m in length. In addition though, they have access to contract facilities across Europe, the Middle-East, and Asia, with well chosen contract and sub-contract partners in place, to supplement and support their own core operations.

Historically, ship building has been a family oriented business, with crafts, trades and skills passed from father to son, skills and knowledge passed from generation to generation in this ancient profession. ARES too has its roots and history as a family business, the product of generations, coupled with an evolved modern commercial structure and a professional business organisation.

The successful evolution of the “boat” has always required detailed insight and understanding of the materials of the day, utilising this knowledge with the tools and construction methods available at the time has always been core to the success, not only of the boat design and structure, but to the very success and survival of the boatyard itself. Ares Shipyard is also very adept with the tools of the day, using them to develop, enhance and evolve the hull forms of its designs, to exceed the requirements of ever demanding customers. Effective use of Computer Aided Design, Simulation and Evaluation Programs and using the latest Finite Element Analysis technology, allows ARES to evolve these designs from the drawing board, through development phase, modelling and prototype to class approved design.

Material selection for construction is critical in today’s industry, especially with endurance and longevity being a key requirement. ARES Shipyard specialises in advanced composite materials, employing and combining the most advanced materials, resins, fillers and techniques, including vacuum forming under the most clinical and controlled conditions. However, they also construct vessels from aluminium and steel! Though for hull forms built by ARES in either advanced composite, or the aluminium alloy SeaLium, extended hull warranties can be issued, for up to 20 years.
As a sign of the times perhaps, vessel types most currently growing in demand appear to be patrol boats, ranging from fast RHIBs, Search & Rescue vessels, through armed patrol and intercept craft, to the much larger and more complex OPV. ARES are at the forefront of the market with designs & models for all these vessel types, and much more! The industry, its consumers and more particularly the end-users now also demand much more from these vessels and evolution once again, takes hold. Whether it is the requirement for a lower radar cross section to avoid detection and monitoring, or composite construction for lightness and speed, even strength and durability including ballistic protection to cope with, and shrug off the most aggressive of marine environments or tactical engagements, evolution is key.

“ARES do not just supply standard models to our customers, every vessel is tailored to each customer’s individual needs” Kerim Kalafato?lu- Executive Director

One of the more demanding technical issues facing shipyards today is the integration of, the ever increasing volume, of supplier systems and components into existing hull platforms, without the loss of performance for either the vessel, or any component system. Today, the equipment needed for mine hunting and clearance duties can take less space than a small rib! With control systems integrated into laptops and miniaturisation creating unmanned, remote controlled submersibles, the size of a vacuum cleaner, it is likely that almost any vessel can or will be used for an increasing list of duties or functions, beyond its initial design purpose!

Target-tracking and acquisition systems that require stability for operational accuracy and performance, are married to the traditional hardware of machine guns, missiles or torpedoes, These also require protection against damage, caused by the same beating that high speed pursuit, coupled with arduous marine conditions are certain to inflict. Ares Shipyard has responded to these demands and evolved.

ARES continues this process by producing some of the most state of the art, designed and engineered vessels available on the market today. Indeed, by collaboration with an elite selection of suppliers and design partners on a global level, ARES has access to a wide range of design ideas and solutions. Specifically ARES works with BMT Nigel GEE Ltd from the UK, for hull-form design, to ensure excellent sea-keeping ability, stability and high performance with its Fast Attack Missile (FAMB) and Hercules series, patrol and intercept craft. Ares will also work alongside the likes of MBDA, Otomelara and Aselsan, to successfuly integrate advanced technology in weapons, detection, navigation, communications and control systems, to deliver the optimum solution for use.

“Technology must be matched with modern hull-form designs otherwise the vessel will not work to, or reach its full capability!” Stephen Layton – Business Development Manager

Additionally, this endows ARES with a level of expertise, support and experience not found even, in other more longstanding shipyards, along with a wide ranging portfolio of different vessel designs. ARES continues this evolution of vessels, to bring faster, more efficient hull forms to the customer, custom designed to meet each individual need with equipment and function. Currently under construction, in marine grade aluminium alloy is the ARES 34 metre Fast Crew Boat which is capable of carrying 8 crew plus 76 passengers. This design has such excellent performance and sea-keeping characteristics, that to date, 28 boats have been completed & delivered, with another 11 vessels currently under construction.

ARES Shipyard retains the evolutionary gene, and continues to develop and adapt existing and new technologies under its R&D Program. This development has led to the “ARES 125 FAMB” Fast Attack Missile Craft, intended for “active” naval engagements, the “ARES 125 HERCULES” and its larger sister the “ARES 140 HERCULES”, are built for Naval Duties and Coast-Guard, or Coastal and Off-Shore patrol and protection. ARES Shipyard is currently working on vessels that are close to, or exceed the 100 knot barrier, and are determined to develop this level of technology to operate in even rougher seas and littoral waters, but coupled with the successful function and operation of both today’s, and tomorrow’s advanced weapons, navigation and communications systems.

“Development and research will continue to break barriers, challenge what we know and advance our designs and our vessel capabilities” Yonca Kotilo?lu - Chief Designer

Ares Shipyard has certainly grasped the concept of Evolution, whilst managing to retain historical links with Mediterranean boat construction, development and specialising in working with the most advanced materials, tools, equipment and systems of the day.