ORC Marine is a specialized maritime services provider headquartered in Gibraltar, holding a distinct presence in one of the world’s most strategic shipping chokepoints. The company is deeply rooted in a family legacy that spans over a century, tracing its origins back to 1919 when the Tapiero family first established maritime trading operations in Tangiers, Morocco. This foundational heritage eventually migrated across the strait, leading to a permanent establishment in Gibraltar in 1945, where the company evolved to meet the growing demands of commercial shipping and port logistics.
Throughout its history, the entity has undergone significant transformations, most notably through its association with Steelmac, a prominent diving and salvage firm. For decades, the organization played a critical role in local maritime emergency response, salvage operations, and general ship servicing within the Port of Gibraltar. Following a period where these operations were integrated into a multinational salvage group, the Tapiero family reacquired key divisions of the business. This strategic move resulted in a comprehensive rebranding, launching ORC Marine as a revitalized independent entity dedicated to servicing the diverse needs of vessels transiting the Strait of Gibraltar.
Operationally, ORC Marine focuses on delivering essential port and underwater services. A primary component of its portfolio includes professional underwater hull cleaning and propeller polishing, critical maintenance tasks that improve vessel fuel efficiency and operational performance. The company employs specialized diving teams capable of conducting underwater inspections, repairs, and surveys, ensuring that vessels meet regulatory standards without requiring dry-docking. Beyond underwater engineering, ORC Marine provides a broader range of logistical support, including machinery hire and general maritime supply, leveraging its location at the North Mole to offer rapid deployment to ships at anchor or alongside.
The company’s identity is defined by its ability to combine historical local knowledge with modern operational standards. By operating at the intersection of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, ORC Marine serves a global clientele of commercial vessels, responding to the time-sensitive nature of the shipping industry. Its trajectory from a local trading house in Tangiers to a specialized marine service provider in Gibraltar illustrates a long-standing commitment to supporting maritime commerce in the region.
