In conversation: Dr Mohammed Al Barwani on selling Oceanco, backing Turquoise Yachts and redefining what it means to build in Turkey

In 2014, Dr Mohammed Al Barwani acquired a majority stake in Proteksan Turquoise and subsequently rebranded the company as Turquoise Yachts. This marked his second significant venture into the superyacht industry, following his earlier acquisition of the renowned Dutch shipyard Oceanco in 2010. But with Oceanco's recent sale to American tech magnate Gabe Newell, Dr Barwani is now able to focus on guiding the operations and strategic direction of Turquoise Yachts to an even greater extent.

Sitting down with BOATPro, Dr Barwani discusses his journey into the yachting world, reasons behind the Oceanco sale, how he feels Turkish yards are being misrepresented, the future of Turquoise Yachts and his ambitions for the yachting sector in his home country of Oman…