Based in Turkey, Karum Marine operates as a specialized technical service provider within the maritime sector, focusing primarily on industrial cleaning, surface preparation, and vessel maintenance. Since its entry into the marine industry in 2014, the company has developed a distinct operational footprint across Turkish waters, offering critical support to vessels both at port and during transit through strategic waterways.
The company’s origins trace back to 2013 with the establishment of its parent engineering entity in Bursa. Founded by Bülent Oktay, an executive with decades of experience in the automotive industrial sector, the organization initially concentrated on engineering and industrial contracting. However, it quickly pivoted to address the specific needs of the shipping industry, launching its maritime division one year later. This expansion was driven by a vision to transfer rigorous industrial standards to marine environments, particularly in the challenging context of vessel turnaround and cargo readiness.
Karum Marine is best known for its expertise in preparing vessels for new cargo, a vital link in global logistics that ensures ships comply with strict cleanliness standards, such as those required for grain transport. The company deploys experienced teams to execute high-pressure cargo hold cleaning, tanker sludge de-mucking, and scrap-and-paint operations. These services are often performed at anchorage or during transit passages, requiring a high degree of mobility and safety coordination.
Geographically, the company maintains a strong presence in the Turkish Straits, specifically the Dardanelles and Bosphorus, as well as serving all major ports throughout Turkey. By stationing operations near these critical transit points, Karum Marine allows shipowners and operators to utilize waiting times at anchorage effectively, conducting essential maintenance without disrupting commercial schedules.
Beyond cleaning, the firm provides technical solutions for hull preservation, utilizing water-based, sand-based, and manual scraping methods to maintain vessel integrity. Through its evolution from a general engineering firm to a dedicated maritime service provider, Karum Marine has solidified its role as a key regional partner for vessel operators, ensuring that ships passing through Turkey’s busy maritime corridors remain compliant, clean, and ready for their next voyage.
