A new culture of excellence
Cüneyt Okcu, Director of RMK Yachts tells ONBOARD Magazine that the company are not merely building yachts, they are shaping a vision of what yachting can become, where craftsmanship meets conscience, and where innovation leads to a more meaningful, sustainable future at sea
From its modern facilities in Tuzla, near Istanbul, the Turkish builder is charting a different course in superyacht construction. Backed by the strength of the Koç Group, the largest company in Turkiye, RMK Yachts blends industrial capability with the creative soul of a boutique yard. The result is a company that sees yacht building not simply as manufacturing, but as cultural reinvention.
A PHILOSOPHY OF TRANSFORMATION
Step inside the shipyard and you sense that something has shifted. “Our philosophy is built on innovation, precision and authenticity,” Okcu explains, “What sets us apart is our commitment to transformation. We’re building a new culture of excellence that merges technology, artistry, and sustainability into every detail.”
That idea of transformation runs deep. RMK’s new strategy combines the most advanced engineering systems with a hands-on respect for craftsmanship. Welders and artisans work alongside designers and data engineers. Digital twins, 3D modelling and AI-assisted design tools sit comfortably next to the human touch.
“Innovation is at the heart of what we do,” Okcu says. “We’re integrating smart production technologies and digital platforms across every stage of design and construction.”
THE ART OF RESPONSIBLE LUXURY
For RMK Yachts, sustainability is not a department. It’s a mindset. The shipyard’s entire operation, from material sourcing to hull optimisation, has been rethought with environmental responsibility in mind.
“Responsible yachting starts at the design table, where efficiency, durability and environmental awareness meet,” Okcu notes. “We use sustainable materials, renewable energy systems and optimised hull forms that reduce fuel consumption and emissions.”
Lightweight composite structures, sustainably sourced woods and recyclable metals are now standard across the yard’s new builds. RMK is also working with specialist suppliers to develop low-impact coatings and high-efficiency insulation systems, the kind of invisible innovations that, cumulatively, make a tangible difference.
The philosophy extends beyond the yachts themselves. The yard has embarked on a comprehensive energy transition plan that includes LED lighting, water recycling, smart climate systems and renewable energy integration.
Sustainability, for RMK, is as much about the place where yachts are built as it is about the yachts themselves.
POWERING THE FUTURE
One of RMK’s most ambitious efforts lies in propulsion. The shipyard’s R&D division is currently exploring hybrid systems, battery storage, and alternative fuels such as methanol and hydrogen.
“Each new project gives us an opportunity to test smarter, cleaner and quieter propulsion concepts,” says Okcu. “Our goal is to reduce the environmental footprint of yachting without compromising the experience.”
That ambition is underpinned by what Okcu calls RMK’s “three pillars” of innovation: efficiency, material research and digital transformation. Through AI-supported modelling and real-time monitoring systems, the shipyard is able to fine-tune every component for better performance and
reduced waste.
COLLABORATION AND CRAFT
For all the digital sophistication, RMK remains deeply human at its core. “Innovation and craftsmanship are not opposing forces, they are complementary strengths,” Okcu insists. “Our experienced artisans bring decades of passion to their work. Technology enhances that, it doesn’t replace it.”
This human touch is also visible in the yard’s partnerships. RMK collaborates with leading designers and naval architects from around
the world, forming creative alliances that push boundaries in design, engineering, and sustainability. “We see sustainability as a shared responsibility,” Okcu adds. “We work closely with suppliers, designers and subcontractors to align on ethical sourcing and transparent production practices.”
It’s this sense of collective purpose that defines RMK’s new identity that feels both confident and quietly radical.
THE LIVIA SERIES: A STATEMENT OF INTENT
In 2024, RMK Yachts launched a 38-metre superyacht Seven Seas, their latest completed boat to date, and now the shipyard is focused on new exciting projects. The debut of the Livia Series, created in collaboration with Red Yacht Design, is perhaps the clearest expression yet of RMK’s evolving vision. Unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show 2025, the series introduces two striking models, the Livia 72 and Livia 50, that fuse elegance, lifestyle and sustainability into one coherent design language.
Accommodation is generous, with 12 guest cabins including a palatial master suite that rivals those of yachts far larger. “Livia is aimed at discerning owners who seek individuality and originality,” says Okcu. “It appeals equally to traditional owners and a younger, experience-driven generation.”
The yacht’s hybrid propulsion and sustainable interiors underline RMK’s commitment to innovation that feels as good as it looks.
For those who prefer a slightly smaller canvas, the Livia 50 distills the same design DNA into a sub-500 GT platform. Her efficient layout and refined styling deliver all the comfort and sophistication of her larger sister, but with simplified operations and global accessibility.
Both yachts embody a softer kind of power, the kind that whispers innovation rather than shouts it. Their interiors feature responsibly sourced materials, lighter tones and organic textures that capture the calm, contemporary aesthetic of tomorrow’s luxury.
REINVENTING A LEGACY
If Livia represents the new, then Orca 58 embodies reinvention. Originally conceived several years ago, the project began as a technically advanced hull built to RMK’s exacting standards. Now, the shipyard has teamed up with Lagaria Yacht Design & Architecture to reimagine it as something extraordinary.
With her 12-metre beam and roughly 1,000 GT volume, the 58-metre Orca is around 30 per cent larger than most yachts of her size, a bold, muscular statement of intent. Her cascading aft terraces, expansive glazing and sculpted geometry create a silhouette that is both powerful and poetic.
Built in steel and already structurally complete, Orca 58 offers a delivery timeline of just 24 months, an enticing prospect for owners seeking a fast-tracked custom yacht without compromise..
CHARTING A NEW COURSE
There’s a certain quiet determination in the way RMK Yachts is approaching its future. This is not about chasing trends or ticking sustainability boxes; it’s about reshaping what luxury itself means. In an industry where tradition and innovation often pull in opposite directions, RMK Yachts has found a rare balance. It’s a shipyard where technology serves craft, where sustainability drives design, and where every yacht tells a story.
