The company’s General Manager, Dr. Selçuk Karakaş, shared with Deniz Endüstri their journey in what he describes as a “family heritage profession,” the challenges they have faced, and their value-driven production philosophy.

A Journey Rooted in Family Heritage
“We come from a seafaring family. I am a seafarer myself, and we continue this business as a legacy profession,” says Karakaş. Their entry into the sector also reflects Turkey’s broader manufacturing story:

“When we established the company in 1996, Turkey was importing lifejackets, lifebuoys, and their accessories. The products being produced locally lacked a certain level of standardization and compliance. In other words, certified and high-quality products in line with international standards were not available. We foresaw the need—and our ability—to manufacture such products in compliance with global standards, so we decided and set out on this path.”

The decision taken back then has today evolved into a brand competing in international markets.

The Power of Certified Production
Vira Shipping holds internationally recognized certifications such as ISO 9001, SOLAS/MED (Wheelmark), CE, and ATEX. These certificates not only confirm the technical compliance of their products but also demonstrate that the company’s production and management systems are audited and approved at a global level.

“If you are manufacturing marine safety equipment, you must hold these certifications—otherwise, you simply cannot produce,” Karakaş emphasizes. “The source of trust comes from our employees’ belief and dedication, commitment to values, sense of responsibility and belonging, relationships, professionalism, and certifications.”

Challenges of a Tough Market
Karakaş highlights the difficulties of producing in Turkey:

“Manufacturing in our country is very challenging, particularly due to the need to compete against many illegal practices. What wears us down the most are unlicensed operations, lack of awareness, unfair competition, and uncertified products.” 

He further underlines that strict adherence to international standards is costly and demanding:

“Our production system is obliged to comply with regulations. In an environment where unfair competition is intense, this exhausts us in terms of ideas, processes, effort, and finances.”

A Human-Centered Approach
Vira Shipping is not only a producer but also a builder of culture. Karakaş explains the company philosophy as follows:

“We strive to conduct our business in line with our values, standards, and production procedures and instructions. While doing so, we make an effort to prioritize the concepts of humanity and ethics, aiming to be ‘human-centered.’ We see our employees as our partners.” 

He believes this approach is decisive in both customer and supplier relations:
“Our background in maritime, our genuine interest, sincerity, and experience—these, I believe, inspire trust. This is significant in customer and subcontractor relations, creates advantages in production and resource procurement, and enhances our quality.”

Market Awareness and Innovative Mindset
Vira Shipping regularly monitors market developments, international announcements, and changes in standards when developing new products and making investments. “For every new product and investment, we act in consultation, in harmony with our values, and in line with standards and market trends,” says Karakaş, emphasizing their participatory management style.

This long-term commitment has positioned Vira Shipping not merely as a manufacturer but as a reliable partner in the field of maritime safety. Its human-centered approach, production quality supported by international certifications, and determined stance despite unfair competition have made the company a respected representative of the Turkish maritime industry.