One of the major contributors to this growth is Arı Shipyard, a newly established facility set up by a family with a rich history in shipbuilding. The shipyard's modern infrastructure and innovative approaches are positioning Yalova as an emerging hub for ship repair, maintenance, and construction.

A Legacy of Maritime Excellence
Arı Shipyard is led by Mr. Ramazan Parlar, who represents the third generation of the Parlar family in the maritime sector. The Parlar family began their journey in the 1970s with a ship repair and maintenance company located on Istanbul's Golden Horn. Over the years, the company expanded and eventually relocated to Tuzla, a major maritime zone in Istanbul, where it continued to thrive in vessel construction and repairs and also, the family owned company, Gundem Shipping, built IMO fitted and modern vessels for own fleet too and still continue to Ship Management thru all Black Sea, Mediterranean, Continent and Baltic areas since 1999…

With the establishment of Arı Shipyard in Yalova, Mr. Parlar and his team are continuing the family legacy of high standards in shipbuilding. The shipyard boasts two slipways and a 180-meter-long pier, which can accommodate ships of up to Panamax size, and a 3,000-ton vessel lightship capacity. These features enable the shipyard to handle a wide range of vessels and offer advanced repair and maintenance services, vital for the growing demand in Turkey's maritime sector.

The Role of Leadership and Teamwork
The success of Arı Shipyard is also attributed to its strong leadership team, which includes Mr. Erdal Güçlü as the General Manager and Mr. Cihangir Güzelce in charge of marketing. Their extensive experience, combined with Mr. Parlar's vision, ensures that the shipyard operates efficiently, adhering to international standards while building strong relationships with clients and partners.

The shipyard is focused on recruiting skilled and passionate workers, addressing the growing shortage of qualified personnel in the industry. This focus on developing a dedicated and experienced workforce is key to ensuring highquality service and maintaining competitiveness in the maritime market.

Responding to Industry Demands
The maritime industry is currently undergoing significant shifts, driven by recent economic fluctuations. As Mr. Parlar points out, there is an increasing demand for repair and maintenance services, especially given the competition Turkish shipyards face from their European counterparts. The need for high-quality maintenance services, in addition to shipbuilding, has become even more prominent as the shipping industry continues to evolve.

In response to these changes, Arı Shipyard has ambitious plans for the future. They are set to invest in a handysize floating dock by the second quarter of 2025. This addition will enhance the shipyard's repair capabilities and improve its competitiveness in the global market. The shipyard is also working on two key new construction projects: a 65-meter special crane barge and a 52-meter floating dock, along with a contract to build two 1750 dwt oil/chemical tankers.

Encouraging the Next Generation
Looking forward, Mr. Parlar encourages young people to consider the maritime industry as a viable career path. He emphasizes that opportunities in the sector are not limited to shipbuilding alone. From repair and maintenance to logistics and management, the maritime industry offers a wide range of career options. Arı Shipyard, with its focus on innovation, skilled workforce, and new construction projects, aims to become a leading player in the Turkish maritime sector.

With its strategic location in Yalova, modern facilities, and commitment to excellence, Arı Shipyard is poised to play a central role in Turkey's maritime future, contributing to the nation's economic growth while also providing crucial services to the global shipping industry.