The Turkish shipyard Bilgin Yachts has taken a major step forward with the third and final unit of its acclaimed Bilgin 263 series, as the 80.1-metre Al Reem embarks on sea trials. Recently launched in December 2024, Al Reem is accompanied on the water by the 50-metre Camila, highlighting Bilgin’s growing presence across different superyacht segments.
Originally known as Project Silence, Al Reem was sold in 2022 through Bluewater Yachting and is scheduled to make her official debut at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show. She follows in the wake of her award-winning predecessors, Tatiana and Leona, both of which helped redefine the limits of Turkish yacht craftsmanship. Notably, Tatiana was the largest yacht ever built in Turkey when it debuted at the 2021 Monaco Yacht Show.
While all three yachts in the Bilgin 263 series share the same sleek, slender exterior profile by Unique Yacht Design and interiors by the renowned H2 Yacht Design, Al Reem introduces a number of unique upgrades. These include almost 100GT of additional volume, 20% more exterior deck space, and a larger, more prominent mast. The yacht also features a longer upper deck and expanded covered areas at the stern for increased comfort and functionality.
Design & Layout Enhancements
The interior of Al Reem was curated under the direction of Jonny Horsfield, founder of H2 Yacht Design, who described the style as “light and modern,” employing a warm palette of materials such as matt timber, cream leather wall panels, silk carpets, and distinctively veined marble feature walls. Although the client admired the interior of Tatiana, the design of Al Reem offers a refreshed layout with a more personalized touch.
Key highlights include:
- A foredeck fully constructed from teak
- A striking metallic grey-white and black superstructure
- A private owner’s deck on the main deck, offering 300-degree panoramic views and an outdoor Jacuzzi
- Accommodation for guests split between two VIP suites on the main deck and three guest cabins on the lower deck
- A central elevator connecting all decks
Performance & Engineering
Under the hood, Al Reem is powered by twin 2,560 kW engines capable of reaching a top speed of 19 knots and a cruising range of 6,000 nautical miles. Technical refinements include a brand-new ventilation system and enhanced generator capacity, ensuring comfort and efficiency for long-range voyages.
Tugba Sengun Topgul, Marketing Director of Bilgin Yachts, remarked:
“Having both Camila and Al Reem at sea together is not just a proud moment for us; it’s a clear reflection of how Bilgin is confidently leading across different segments of the superyacht market.”
What’s Next for Bilgin?
Bilgin Yachts currently has 13 superyacht projects in progress or under contract. This includes eight hulls from its popular 52-metre Bilgin 170 series, with the first unit having completed its technical launch in early 2024.
With Al Reem now on sea trials and heading for her spotlight moment in Monaco, Bilgin Yachts continues to cement its position as a formidable player in both custom and semi-custom superyacht construction.
