Ören Rib & Refit Park, one of Setur Marinas' innovative investments, is not just a new investment, but a story of transformation inspired by the spirit of Gökova.
Gökova Bay, which captivates everyone who passes by and has made a name for itself in history with its natural beauty, has always been an important sailing route for yachters. However, the lack of adequate boat maintenance facilities in such a frequently visited area remained an issue that needed to be resolved until the 21st century.
In 2015, recognizing this need, an entrepreneur decided to build a facility for "slipway, maintenance, and repair" in Türkevleri area of Ören, Muğla. And so Ark Marin was founded. In the early years of the facility, boats were taken ashore using a 70-ton travel lift, the hulls were cleaned, the mechanics were overhauled, they were painted, and they were prepared for the summer. In other words, all the services required for a typical dry dock parking area were available. During this period, Ark Marin has become a quiet but strategic player in the region's yachting activities as a maintenance point for boats.
Marinas, the largest chain marina brand in Türkiye, acquired Ark Marin's facility in early 2023 after deciding to invest in the Ören region with a vision to offer comprehensive solutions in yachting services.
Setur Marinas not only purchased the facility but also introduced the "RIB & Refit Park" concept to both the region and the marina industry. The idea behind this innovative concept is as follows: The maintenance needs of boats and the expectations of boat owners have changed over time. After the summer season ended, in addition to general maintenance, there was a need for a "refit", meaning renovation and refurbishment. Boat owners began asking not only "How do I protect my boat?" but also "How can I improve my boat?". To answer these questions, Setur Marinas has realized this investment in Ören not just as a dry dock parking area, but as a more comprehensive and highly equipped facility under the name "RIB & Refit Park".
Setur Ören RIB & Refit Park, which opened its doors in August 2023, began providing large-scale services to vessels on an area of 22,000 m² with 3 hangars, a 70-ton travel lift, a 240-ton amphibious boat (croc lift), and 45-ton and 60-ton boat movers. Additionally, it offered solutions for different needs, ranging from 8-10 meter RIB boats to larger vessels. Thus, the spaciousness of the dry dock parking areas, the variety of technical equipment, and the professional service approach have all come together in Ören. Going beyond maintenance and repair, an environment has been created supporting the lifestyle of yachters and making the silent periods of boats productive.
During the transition from Ark Marin to Ören RIB & Refit Park, priority was given to creating a new ecosystem. The wastewater treatment plant was put into operation immediately in the first stage to prevent the damage caused by hazardous waste to the environment from the outset.
Ören RIB & Refit Park has not only renewed its dry dock parking services, but has also directly renewed the perspective of boat owners. For many boaters, the idea of "I'll go back out to the sea when the season comes" has now turned into the question, "I've renovated my boat, let's see what else I'll do when summer comes".
A new excitement has begun in the heart of Gökova with Ören RIB & Refit Park. What can we say? Gökova always finds a way to stay popular and stay ahead.
Sevda Akdemir, Setur Ören Rib & Refit Park Front Office Representative