Guesses on why, mostly based on open source data with only knowledge of one of the possible export destination:Zorya vs GE in a nutshell:
Both companies are contacted by a respactable Turkish company for possible use of their engines on a platform to be introduced that has already caught attention of some countries, possible orders exceeding 20. (Totaling 60+ engines including spares)
GE:
Returned in a few days, assigned a senior engineer and one representative without even an MoU and shared all necessary details in a cooperative manner, going through meetings weekly.
Signed MoU with TEI later.
Zorya:
Ignoring their earlier failures to negotiate some deals, this is how they handled the request.
No response in a week (nothing at all)
High level online meeting to discuss and deliver the required information sets.
A month passes, no response at all. Contacted and the reply was "working on that"
2 months have passed still no replies. Meanwhile integration of GE is done and moving on with detailing procedures.
Not even going deep into technical matters, moreover the fact they havent made a solid plan for ToT and local production in Turkey. Discussed a year ago and they havent advanced an inch and dragging a leg for meetings.
Meanwhile all DzKK, SSB and design companies are assured by GE's performance and Zorya being reluctant on inviting Turkish representative in a live demonstration to prove their claims.
I am not detailing this further, informations are from first hand and pretty much known in the circle of marine industry and naval forces.
The export destination is hostile to one of the main Zorya customer, thus either they are trying to keep that customer or under pressure by them (the chances are high with the first option).
That possible export destination of the Turkish platform is also interested in use or Zorya engine to cut the costs in their larger platforms.
At the moment Zorya has chance to penetrate into two markets through Turkish products, one of them is not introduced with gas turbines as of now and intrigued by the idea of having them as the supplier.