With a distinguished reputation as a client-focused and experienced Turkish shipbuilder, Med Marine the leading tugboat operator, plans to deliver 25 vessels in 2024, with ferries as key deliveries, being the first in the history of the tugboat builder.

Robban Assafina’s interview with Melis Üçüncü, Business Development Director at Med Marine, sheds the light on the tugboat builder’s latest developments, including their pioneering efforts in green technology with the launch of the first battery-electric tug, their participation in the International Tug and Salvage Convention Exhibition 2024, and their strategic expansions in the Gulf market.

Melis, welcome, and thank you for joining us as Robban Assafina’s Maritime Host. First, can we have a brief overview of Med Marine, its mission and vision?

Thank you! Well, Med Marine is a client-focused and experienced Turkish shipbuilder and leading tugboat operator, providing a broad range of services in towage, pilotage and mooring in the busiest ports of Turkey for over 25 years. Eregli Shipyard, owned by Med Marine Group, is one of the largest shipyards in Turkey.We specialize in constructing innovative, high-quality ships and tugs that fully comply with both national and international regulations and standards. Our commitment is to meet and exceed our clients' expectations in terms of quality and reliability.

Our aim is not only to expand our market share in the global tugboat and chemical tanker new-build markets but also to deliver exceptional services in pilotage, towage, and salvage, all while prioritizing environmental protection and human safety. Leveraging our extensive experience in the maritime industry, we will continue to evolve and strengthen our relationships with our customers. Med Marine is a member of the European Tugowners Association since 1997, and a member of BIMCO since 2000. In addition, Med Marine was awarded ISO 9001 certification in January 2001 by BV. In 2010, ISO 14001: 2004 & OHSAS 18001: 2007 certificates have been achieved.

What about Med Marine’s latest launching of the first battery-electric tug in Q2 of 2024, what can you tell us about this huge step that supports the green technology?

A Med Marine Trade Mark, VoltRA’s fully electric tugboat design has undeniably achieved significant success. A key factor contributing to this success is the diversity offered by our VoltRA design portfolio, comprising five distinct configurations. This variety empowers our prospective clients to select the option that aligns best with their operational requirements, enabling us to cater to a global clientele effectively. Furthermore, our VoltRA series is meticulously crafted to comply with the emissions reduction regulations prevalent in regions such as Europe, reflecting our commitment to environmental sustainability. As such, it is poised to attract a diverse customer base worldwide, leveraging its targeted approach and robust technical capabilities.

Lately, Med Marine has participated in the International Tug and Salvage Convention Exhibition 2024. How significant is this event for Med Marine?

International Tug & Salvage Convention holds crucial importance for our industry and it was a huge success for us. Being the event partner of ITS 2024, we were highly pleased to host and organize the ITS VIP Party and sponsor the Tug Owner of the Year Award, as we had in previous years. We had the chance to communicate with our business partners to strengthen our connections and pave the way for possible new collaborations. Within this scope, ITS is providing a golden opportunity for stake holders to interact with each other at a certain time and space to exchange ideas.

What recent developments has Med Marine undertaken to expand its footprint in the Gulf market?

The Gulf market is a very important region for us; we have strong partnerships there and we aim to continue growing. Proud to say that we are currently building some ferries which will be delivered within 2024.

What is your impression of the first half of 2024, and what are Med Marine’s expectations for the second half?

The first half of 2024 has been marked by several key trends and developments such as growing demand on green technologies, autonomous ships and the need for workforce training. Rising operational costs, including fuel prices and inflationary pressures, have affected profitability in the maritime sector. Additionally, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has had implications for maritime logistics and fuel prices. This led to a growing emphasis on green technologies and alternative fuels, such as LNG, methanol, hydrogen, and ammonia. 

The push for decarbonization is strong, driven by both regulatory pressures and market demand for sustainable shipping practices. The growing demand in green technologies increased the need for workforce training in new technologies and compliance with environmental regulations. Overall, the maritime industry in the first half of 2024 is navigating a complex landscape of regulatory changes, technological advancements, market fluctuations, and geopolitical challenges. Therefore, companies’ abilities to adapt and innovate will be key for growth and sustainability in the maritime industry. For Med Marine, our goal is not only to adapt these trends but also to achieve sustainable growth through innovations.

We would like to highlight our sensitive approach towards the environment which led us to green energy solutions. We have invested heavily in VoltRA series tugs, a Med Marine Trade Mark, operating fully on battery as well as hybrid versions which are available depending on client needs. The launching was initiated last year in conjunction with Robert Allan, Canadian design house.

In addition to VoltRA battery operated series, we have studied methanol operated tugs as well and it is becoming a possibility with newly developed marine engines operating on methanol being introduced to market. Furthermore, our implementation of solar energy systems at our Eregli Shipyard enables us to meet a significant portion of our electricity requirements sustainably.

Workforce training within the Turkish shipbuilding industry is a priority for us. As Med Marine, we firmly believe in the significance of investing in our employees' education. It is essential for us to keep our workforce well-informed about the most recent technological advancements. This approach enhances overall efficiency and also plays a vital role in boosting production capacity. Simultaneously, it underscores our commitment to environmental protection, ensuring that we operate in a manner that is both technologically advanced and environmentally responsible.

Can you brief us more about the Eregli Shipyard capacity, facilities and latest projects?

Eregli Shipyard is one of the largest shipyards in Turkey based on some 180.000 sqm with more than 30.000 sqm indoor areas to build state-of-the-art tugboats, workboats, offshore vessels and coated/Stainless Steel (STST) IMO II type chemical/oil tankers, either for its own operations or clients worldwide. 

Med Marine has a wide selection of state-of-the-art tug boat design portfolio and the shipyard is constantly being improved with advanced production standards by keeping up with latest health, safety and environmental regulations. Eregli Shipyard, owned by Med Marine Group, has received certifications for “Shipyard Security Compliance” and “Shipyard Production Compliance” certificates to build naval ships for Turkish Military and NATO. We have delivered 20 units throughout 2023.

Our main goal is to keep concentrating on quality, versatility, technology and client needs as it has always been. We plan to deliver in excess of 25 vessels in 2024, mainly constituting of tugboats, in addition to ferry boats and buoy tender vessels as well. We consider ferry deliveries as key deliveries in 2024, since they will be first in the history of Med Marine. Naturally; tugs are our core business and we intend to keep it that way. Our clients are in general repeat clients; and we will continue to assist them with their new projects.

Robban Assafina, Issue 92, July/ August 2024, Maritime Host, pg. 79

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	Issue 92 of Robban Assafina (July/Aug. 2024)