Speaking to Capital.gr, Med Marine’s Business Development Director, Melis Üçüncü, discusses today’s opportunities and challenges in the shipping sector.

For three decades, Med Marine has been active in the maritime industry, specializing in the construction and management of vessels, with its most renowned line being the VoltRA series, which offers fully electric tugboats. Through this series, the company demonstrates its commitment to today’s demands, which revolve around alternative fuels and digitalization. However, as Ms. Melis Üçüncü notes, the challenge of rising costs remains.

The company enjoys global recognition, counting among its clients Abu Dhabi Ports, Boluda, Med Tugs, Svitzer, as well as Greek and Italian shipowners.

To date, Med Marine has delivered more than 200 vessels to over 40 countries worldwide, while in 2025 an additional 25 projects are expected to be delivered.

With nearly three decades of experience in the shipbuilding sector, what are the new developments, threats, and opportunities in today’s environment?

In fact, it has been more than three decades since we began our tugboat construction activity in 1995.
The tugboat industry is currently going through one of its most dynamic transformations. Sustainability has become the true compass of shipbuilding, with electrification and alternative fuels rapidly reshaping the market. Global operators are already investing in low- and zero-emission tugs, and this momentum is redefining the sector.

Digitalization is another driving force of change, as data-driven systems and automation are making operations safer and more efficient. Yet, I believe the most decisive innovation lies in alternative fuels. While these technologies first emerged in larger vessel types, their influence on tugboats has grown significantly in recent years.

At Med Marine, we have embraced this shift wholeheartedly. Our VoltRA series was developed to meet the rising demand for fully electric tugboats, and one unit is already under construction with a CAT battery system — the first of its kind with CAT. What excites me most is the opportunity to collaborate in creating something new, delivering not just a vessel, but also a vision of the future.

Of course, rising costs remain a challenge for the entire industry. But challenges always bring opportunities — and this era is abundant in both.

What makes your services stand out?

What truly sets Med Marine apart is the way we combine cutting-edge engineering with a deeply client-focused approach. Our shipyard is dedicated to building high-performance tugboats equipped with advanced propulsion systems, including electric and hybrid solutions that support greener operations. But beyond the technology, it is our way of working that makes the difference.

Our clients consistently value our transparency at every stage of construction, our uncompromising adherence to internationally recognized Quality and HSE standards, and the meticulous attention we pay to meeting project-specific requirements — no matter how complex they are or at what stage they arise. Even with our proven standard designs, we maintain the flexibility to tailor and extensively adapt vessels to match the unique needs of each operator.

This combination of technical excellence, customization, and trust is why Med Marine is not just a shipbuilder, but a long-term partner that our clients can rely on.

Can you share some of your bigger clients and what they ask for?

Some of our key clients include Abu Dhabi Ports, Boluda, Med Tugs, Svitzer, as well as Greek and Italian shipowners, along with many other major names that reflect the scale and trust we have built in the industry. While many of our largest operators are based in Europe, the Middle East, and South America, our portfolio continues to expand with new partners worldwide.

In recent years, our delivery records have revealed a clear market trend: strong demand for larger, more powerful tugboats. Anticipating this, we proactively increased the bollard pull capacities of our speculative builds up to 135 tbp — a strategy that has paid off, as the vessels we delivered matched customer expectations seamlessly.

At the same time, we remain committed to keeping production capacity available for new and potential clients. And it is not only tugboats that are attracting attention; we are also seeing rising demand for buoy tenders and ferries. Meeting such diverse needs requires agility and foresight, and at Med Marine, we take pride in responding quickly, effectively, and with a genuine passion for building vessels that make a difference.

What are your vessels providing to your customers and how do they stand out?

Our vessels stand out because they deliver what matters most to operators: performance, reliability, and trust. With advanced propulsion systems and carefully engineered hull designs, our tugboats ensure safe and efficient operations even under the most demanding conditions.

Customization is another hallmark of our work. Every operator has unique requirements, and we take pride in tailoring our designs — whether it’s a fully electric tug, a hybrid solution, a Tier 3 unit, or a conventional build — so that each vessel perfectly matches its intended role.

Environmental responsibility is also a driving force for us. By developing electric and hybrid tugboats, we help our clients reduce emissions and noise pollution while meeting the strictest international regulations.

What our clients often tell us, however, is that the biggest difference comes from the workmanship, the comfort and safety we design for their crews, and above all, the enduring reliability of our vessels. Even years after delivery, our tugboats continue to perform at the same high levels with minimal power loss. This long-term consistency is why so many of our partners return to Med Marine when it’s time to expand or renew their fleet.

How many projects have you completed and what are your construction capabilities?

To date, we have delivered more than 200 vessels to over 40 countries worldwide. While tugboats remain the cornerstone of our expertise, we have also built ferries, tankers, buoy tenders, and workboats — demonstrating not only the scale of our production but also the versatility of our shipyard.

In 2025, we are on track to deliver 25 projects, a clear reflection of our strong orderbook and our growing global presence. Our shipyard has the capacity to build around 35 tugboats annually, although this number naturally shifts depending on the size and type of vessels under construction. A recent example is the delivery of two 50-meter ferries, which influenced the number of tugboats produced that year but at the same time highlighted our ability to successfully manage complex, large-scale projects alongside our core production.

From harbor tugs to ocean-going vessels, and from electric and hybrid propulsion systems to traditional configurations, our construction capabilities allow us to meet a wide variety of client requirements. Beyond newbuilds, we also carry out extensive customizations and retrofits to improve efficiency and performance, ensuring that each vessel reflects the specific needs of its operator.

Ultimately, it is not only the number of projects that defines us, but the consistency and care with which we deliver high-quality, tailored solutions that continue to strengthen our reputation as a trusted global shipbuilder.