In the dynamic yachting location of Istanbul’s Tuzla, KRM Yacht Refit & Repair emerges as an epitome of yachting excellence. Navigating through over a decade of iconic superyacht refits and rebuilds with an unwavering commitment to exceeding clients expectations.
A specialised team of over 100 professionals, helmed by Managing Director Kerem Baser, the KRM specialists offer unparalleled customer service and artisanal practices refined for even the most challenging projects. Each project at KRM not only breathes new life into the yachts but also crafts an exquisite, worry-free experience for clients. Baser underpins the benefits of rebuilding when emphasising the preservation of costs and heritage. Rebuilding allows clients to “reuse existing infrastructures, reducing environmental impact, while preserving historical and/or cultural value, resulting in a potentially quicker project completion.” Furthermore, the rich local amenities ensures for an efficient and luxurious experience for clients, at the shipyard and beyond thanks to the nearby international Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
KRM is not merely a story of yachts but an innovative business shaped by an entrepreneur, Baser, who, spotted an opportunity to propel the yachting refit market in his native Turkey. Launching KRM Yacht 13 years ago, the shipyard has completed some of the world’s most fascinating yacht refits and rebuild projects. Below, explore the shipyards emerging facilities and delve into two of their most prized projects.
Paying homage to nautical history: The ongoing 45-metre Costa Magna Yacht refit
Emerging anew from the dockyards, the 45-metre Proteksan motor yacht, Costa Magna formerly known as Belesbat Queen and Galaxy Star, traces a lineage that travels back to its crafting in 1983. KRM craftsmen are respectful in paying homage to the original designs crafted by Alberto Mercati and Vincenzo Ruggiero. The 304 GT yacht, will be capable of hosting 10 guests, now under construction at KRM, the yacht will exude an elaborate luxury and classical style upon completion.
An unwavering bond of trust between the yacht’s owner and the Turkey-based KRM shipyard is demonstrably apparent. The collaborative relationship was cultivated a decade prior with a transformative refit of another of the owner’s vessels. The Captain of the Costa Magna relays his unforgettable experience when saying, “KRM Yacht Refit’s customer service is characterised by an exceptional level of care and understanding. Throughout [mine and the owner’s] experience, we felt that our needs and concerns were genuinely heard and addressed. Their team leaders from various in-house workshops provided us with continuous and detailed briefings, demonstrating a strong commitment to keeping us well-informed.”
Costa Magna’s refit goes beyond mere restoration. A profound restructuring, ranging a replacement of main engines and generator sets, to the aesthetic enhancements, as seen in a revivification of her teak decking and a complete reimagining of the interior and exterior spaces. Navigational, electrical, and automation systems, all crucial components in a yacht of this calibre, have been brought forth into the contemporary, ensuring her journey through the seas continues to be enjoyed with ease and security.
In the words of KRM’s managing director, Kerem Baser, the project was not merely a refurbishment of a vessel but a “heartfelt welcome” back to her native shores, acknowledging Costa Magna’s historical roots throughout. The client’s embodiment of loyalty to KRM, reciprocated by the Captain when remembering a “remarkable example of KRM going above and beyond. During the project, KRM completed a 20-week refit operation within just 2 weeks of the projected timeframe. This exceptional dedication to meeting deadlines not only saved us time but also demonstrated their extraordinary commitment to delivering results that exceeded our high expectations.”
Read more: New pictures showcase the 44m Proteksan Costa Magna refit at KRM
The rebirth a forgotten treasure: The rebuild of 33-metre Heesen project Newal
Once a forgotten yacht deteriorating in the shipyard, now, Newal is a stellar example of modern splendour, thanks to KRM. A personal rebuild and refit for Managing Director Baser, who “for two years, watched the neglected Heesen yacht quietly linger in the marina. A sight so disheartening to behold.” Yet, by fortuitous circumstances, unexpectedly, “an architect, following a month of research with his client, contacted KRM, eager to discuss a substantial rebuild. Our collective energy resonated, swiftly progressing from an impassioned initial meeting to contract signing.” This marked the beginning of Newals journey to back to glory.
Originally crafted by the esteemed Heesen Yachts and Mulder Design in 1988. The then 29-metre Newal had been seemingly forgotten and required extensive care and craftsmanship. The extensive KRM refit project reimagined the yacht both aesthetically and functionally, ensuring a seamless marriage of timeless elegance and modern amenities. From a complete overhaul of the interiors, stripping them down to their foundational elements and reconstructing with vigilant craftsmanship, to the lengthening of the upper deck and crafting of a new transom area complete with a swimming platform, every modification was executed with the utmost precision.
Noteworthy is the installation of a new hardtop and the redefined flybridge area, which now boasts a wet bar and a captain’s sitting area. An exemplary extension to her stern by a substantial 3.6-metres, enlargement of all windows and portholes, illustrate only a glimpse into the extensive refurbishments performed. 
Internally, Newal has also been fitted with modern navigational equipment systems, zero speed stabilisers, and a robust alarm monitoring system, alongside an exhaustive overhaul of her two existing Detroit main engines.
For the team at KRM, Newal is more than a yacht, she is a symbol for the possibility that lies within transformation thanks to refit and rebuild techniques, where an intertwining of the yachts elegant past’s can be merged with innovative amenities.
KRM spotlighted facilities
Located in the heart of Istanbul, bridging Europe and Asia, KRM Yacht Refit and Rebuild Shipyard offers a selection of facilities ideal for yacht rebuild and refit restorations. The full-service shipyard features over 100 dedicated in-house specialists across six diverse workshops, ensuring swift, expert attention to every project detail. The facility intertwines safety and proficiency, adhering to rigorous checks and staff training under a full-time Health and Safety Manager.
Proximity to bustling Göcek and Bodrum, famed superyacht destinations, alongside rapid access to a catalogue of materials, emphasises KRM’s strategic location. Accessibility is paramount; with international connectivity from Sabiha Gökçen Airport and a myriad of local amenities just a stroll away, clients enjoy a seamless stay.
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hoto: gokcentunc / Shutterstock.com
With forthcoming enhancements like an 900-ton travel lift and groundbreaking tool technology, KRM unceasingly evolves, substantiating its distinguished position in the yacht refit industry, while its “View Your Yacht” feature and project-monitoring iPads ensure clients remain integrally connected to their yacht’s transformation journey. KRM doesn’t merely restore; it revitalises, bridging yesteryear’s splendour with tomorrow’s innovation in every meticulous rebuild.
