The three (3) TYPE 55 SAT Boats, built by ENM Korea in partnership with ARES Shipyard for the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, have officially entered service.

Throughout the 20-month production process, which commenced with the first welding ceremony at ARES Shipyard’s facilities in Antalya, valuable delegations and state officials from both countries, along with Directors and Representatives from ENM Korea and the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, closely supervised each stage of construction.

The TPYE 55 SAT Coast Guard Boats stand out in their class with their proven aluminium hull, a top speed of 30 knots, and the capacity to transport a 12-member Special Operations Team along with their full equipment and specialized gear to the operation zone. Additionally, they are equipped with state-of-the-art remotely controlled weapon systems and ballistic protection to ensure self-defense against close-range threats, safeguarding both the vessel and its valuable cargo.

Beyond their primary operational concept, these boats are designed to successfully execute missions such as asymmetric warfare, territorial water control, and coordinated joint operations. The TYPE 55 SAT Boats have now commenced patrol duties in the UM Qaser/Iraq region.

ARES Shipyard’s CEO, Oğuzhan Pehlivanlı, expressed pride in achieving the first-ever export to Iraq in the history of the Republic of Türkiye through their partnership with ENM KOREA. He stated: “With this project, we have once again demonstrated ARES Shipyard’s 19 years of engineering and shipbuilding expertise. The TYPE 55 SAT Boats, produced with cutting-edge technology and outstanding capabilities, stand out as the best in their class.”

On 16 March 2024, the General Manager of ENM Korea Mr. YM Kim and the accompanied representatives of the company visited the Iraqi Navy Commander H.E. Vice Admiral Mazin Kubayan at the Iraqi Navy Command in Basra, Iraq.

The visit included discussion topics with the Commander regarding the construction of the three coast guard boats that are being constructed at ENM Korea premises in Turkey.

This construction comes after the successful delivery of the three specialized vessels for the benefit of Basra Oil Company fleet (Oil Spill Recovery Vessel, Multi Purpose Vessel, Heavy Lift Accommodation Vessel) to operate and support logistics at the Iraqi oil terminals. (ARES Shipyard; ENM Korea; Photo © ARES Shipyard)