KRM Begins Rebuild of Heritage 44.5m Costa Magna

While Turkey’s credentials as a superyacht building nation grew exponentially, Kerem Baser identified a missing presence of a specialised superyacht refit and rebuild facility in the country. Mr Baser founded KRM Yacht Refit & Repair to fill this void, and over a decade later the company has delivered more than 200 projects while expanded its skilled in-house team and facilities.

With the company’s primary facility located in Tuzla, Istanbul, KRM is well placed in a region that boasts a flourishing maritime industry and a pool of talent.

The shipyard has set out to provide an unrivalled customer experience for visiting owners and captains, which is already reflected in the extremely high rate of returning clients (around 92%).

One such returning client is the Captain of 44.5-metre Costa Magna, who had previously visited KRM during the winter of 2013 when at the helm of a Couach 28 Open.

During that project, the Captain and Owner of the yacht were blown away by not only the superior quality materials and craftsmanship, but also KRM’s dedicated to stick to the initial budget and meet timely deadlines, while providing continuous transparency through regular briefings along the way.

Now returning with a heritage Turkish-built superyacht, the Captain has expressed their enthusiasm and confidence with KRM’s specialised services.

“We are delighted to entrust KRM Yacht Refit with yet another significant project – the full refit of M/Y Costa Magna (ex Belesbat Queen), a magnificent 44.5-metre beauty built by Proteksan Istanbul in 1983,” reflects the Captain.

“Having embarked on an incredible 40 year worldwide journey, the yacht is now back in Istanbul for an enchanting full refit. We couldn’t be more excited to witness her returning ot her roots and shining brighter than ever before.

“Our confidence in KRM Yacht Refit is unwavering, and we have no doubt that they will once again deliver unparalleled results. We eagerly anticipate seeing M/Y Costa Magna restored to her former glory, and we wholeheartedly trust in the expertise and dedication of the KRM Yacht team to achieve this vision.”

The extensive refit project entails everything from the replacement and modernisation of the main engines, through to the redesign of all interior areas and replacement of all teak decking. All electrical and piping infrastructure will receive a complete revamp, while the exterior areas on the Upperdeck, Transom, and Flybridge will be redesigned and rebuilt at KRM.

Founder and Managing Director of KRM Yacht, Kerem Baser, has expressed his excitement at starting work on a significant and challenging project with a returning client.

“Beyond the boat’s rich history, what truly warms our hearts at KRM is the return of a valued client,” expressed Mr Baser. “A decade ago, we made a refit to his previous yacht, and now he once again chose us without hesitation.

“This gesture means the world to the KRM family, a testament to our commitment to excellence and dedication. She stood as one of the era’s largest and most remarkable vessels, a shining pinnacle of maritime achievement on a global scale on the time she was being crafted four decades ago by the esteemed Turkish shipyard, Proteksan (Turquoise).

“Thus, it is with profound honour that we extend a heartfelt welcome to her, back to her native shores.”

We look forward to following progress in the rebuild of this heritage Turkish superyacht with KRM Yacht.