ASFAT, a subsidiary of the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, has set a global benchmark with its groundbreaking 3000-ton Submarine Floating Dock, the largest of its kind in the world. Officially inaugurated on August 24 at the Aksaz Shipyard Command Opening Ceremony, the Submarine Floating Dock, also referred to as the Submarine Pool, represents a significant leap forward in Turkey’s naval capabilities. This state-of-the-art infrastructure project is designed to meet the construction, maintenance, repair, and modernization needs of the Turkish Naval Forces Command’s submarines, further enhancing Türkiye’s strategic defense posture.
Strategic Importance and Capabilities
The Submarine Floating Dock is a critical asset for Türkiye, aligning with the national submarine production and modernization strategy. The dock’s completion marks a significant step towards achieving self-sufficiency in submarine maintenance and production, which is crucial for safeguarding Türkiye’s maritime interests in the “Blue Homeland” — a concept that emphasizes the importance of national sovereignty over surrounding seas.
Built to military-grade standards, the Submarine Pool can withstand extreme conditions, such as winds up to 100 knots, which are rarely encountered. It is also constructed to meet damage stability conditions, a unique feature not present in other civilian docks. These capabilities make the dock an indispensable facility for the Turkish Naval Forces, capable of accommodating both current and future submarines in the naval inventory for planned maintenance, unscheduled dry-docking due to failures or accidents, and emergency scenarios.
Innovative Features and Construction Excellence
The Submarine Floating Dock is distinct from conventional dock constructions due to its mission-specific design and the unique needs it addresses. With a total length of 105 meters, a width of 25.1 meters, an internal width of 17.05 meters, a height of 19.95 meters, and a diving depth of 16.5 meters, the dock can reach its full diving depth within 75 minutes. It also features a Pool Closing Mechanism comprising an automatically controlled roof system in three sections and two guillotine doors located at the bow and stern. This innovative design ensures maintenance and modernization activities can proceed undisturbed by adverse weather conditions, thereby maintaining operational security and confidentiality.
Equipped with four diesel generators, the dock can operate independently of a port, enabling maintenance and repair activities anywhere, anytime. It also has the capacity to sustain 28 berth personnel and 14 submarine duty personnel for up to five days without the need for resupply, demonstrating its robustness and self-sufficiency.
Collaboration and High Domestic Contribution
The project showcases the prowess of Turkish engineering and manufacturing, as it was executed with high domestic contribution and the involvement of more than 30 subcontractors. The Submarine Floating Dock was constructed amidst the global challenges posed by the pandemic, underscoring ASFAT’s resilience and commitment to advancing Türkiye’s defense capabilities. The project not only strengthens Türkiye’s strategic infrastructure but also enhances ASFAT’s standing and that of all stakeholders involved, including the General Directorate of Shipyards and the various contractors and suppliers. This collaboration has provided invaluable experience and laid the groundwork for similar projects in the future.
A Beacon of National Defense Innovation
Established in 2018 under the directives of President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan, ASFAT has been instrumental in bolstering the Turkish defense industry’s development and export capabilities. The Submarine Floating Dock project embodies ASFAT’s mission to deliver high-quality defense solutions at competitive prices and within tight timelines. The facility’s addition to the Ministry of National Defense’s inventory marks a significant milestone in Türkiye’s quest for technological independence in defense.
The successful completion of the dock’s tests and trials, followed by the official delivery to the General Directorate of Shipyards, cements ASFAT’s reputation as a pioneer in naval infrastructure development. As the world’s largest in its class, the 3000-ton Submarine Pool is not only a marvel of engineering but also a strategic asset that will play a vital role in maintaining the readiness and operational capability of the Turkish Naval Forces for years to come.
🚢🇹🇷 ASFAT unveils the world’s largest 3000-ton Submarine Floating Dock, enhancing Türkiye’s naval capabilities! This state-of-the-art facility will support the maintenance and modernization of our national submarines, contributing to a stronger and more resilient Blue Homeland. 🌊
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