EMEA News
Turkey Looks to Grow Domestic Diesel Engine Production
Turkey's Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology has announced plans to establish a Center of Engine Excellence to promote the domestic manufacture of diesel engines, local media reports.
The Ministry said it has taken the first step by bringing together industry players to form a working group, which will consist of private sector figures, chaired by an experienced academic and overseen by the Ministry.
According to the report, Turkey imports an average of around 150,000 diesel engines each year to be used in marine applications, as well as heavy commercial vehicles, off-road work machines, tractors, military vehicles, and generators.
Imports of diesel engines and their components are said to account for around $3 billion of Turkey's annual trade deficit.
"The use of domestic engines in tanks, fast carriers and marine applications will also add strength to the defense industry," said the Ministry.
It is understood that domestic production of diesel engines would concentrate on low-emission and environmentally friendly engines compatible with European Union (EU) specifications.
Late last year, Turkey signed up to the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Ballast Water Management Convention bringing the convention closer to its threshold for adoption.
