The ARES 18 SAR, a search and rescue vessel designed by R2 Marine in collaboration with ARES Shipyard, has successfully completed its self-righting test. The test confirmed the vessel’s ability to recover from capsize conditions and safely continue operations — a critical capability for crews operating in demanding sea states.

The ARES 18 SAR is the lead vessel in a 16-boat search and rescue programme being built for Türkiye’s General Directorate of Coastal Safety. The vessels will strengthen search and rescue capability across Türkiye’s maritime jurisdiction areas, including the strategically important Turkish Straits. Built in aluminium to a length of 18.5 meters and constructed to Türk Loydu classification rules, the vessels are being delivered by ARES Shipyard in Türkiye. 

ARES’ production and shipbuilding capabilities have been central to bringing the design into a full 16-vessel series. R2 Marine was responsible for the naval architecture, design, and class-level design of the ARES 18 SAR, including the hull form, stability, and structural arrangement required to meet the demanding safety, classification, and operational requirements of SAR missions.

Self-righting capability is one of the most safety-critical features of a rescue craft. It ensures that, even in the event of a capsize, the vessel can recover to an upright position and allow the crew to continue operating rather than remaining inverted. The successful completion of the self-righting test marks an important milestone in the ARES 18 SAR programme and validates a key design requirement ahead of further deliveries in the series.

R2 Marine, based in Helsinki, Finland, continues to support the programme as the vessels progress toward operational service with Türkiye’s coastal safety authorities.