Economy

Torlak Family Shifts from Shipyard Leadership to Global Vessel Ownership and Services

Originating in the 1940s, the Torlak family concluded its shipbuilding era in 2018 and pivoted to ship owning with Atomar, currently operating two 18,000 DWT dry bulkers, while expanding technical services globally via Atotech Marine.

Editor

Nov 16, 2025 - 20:25

Torlak Family Shifts from Shipyard Leadership to Global Vessel Ownership and Services

WISE NEWS PRESS / ISTANBUL, TÜRKİYE — NOVEMBER 16, 2025

The Torlak family, a multi-generational force in the Turkish maritime industry since the 1940s, has strategically transitioned its focus from shipyard ownership in Tuzla to global vessel operation and maritime technical services through its newly formed companies, Atomar and Atotech Marine.

The family patriarch, Mustafa Torlak, founded the business in the 1940s in the Golden Horn Bay, initially building wooden boats before expanding into steel vessel construction and repair. The shipyard was eventually relocated to the Tuzla Bay area in the 1980s under a government policy, where it was renamed Torgem Shipyard, signifying the family’s presence in the new shipbuilding hub.

The Shift Back to Ship Owning

The family business expanded into ship owning in the late 1980s, acquiring two bulkers and two tankers. Following a partnership dissolution in 2006, Adnan Torlak, along with his children Cihan Torlak and Neslihan Torlak, took ownership of the neighboring Dentaş Shipyard.

However, the family decided to exit the shipyard business entirely, selling Dentaş Shipyard in April 2018. This pivotal shift marked the end of the Torlak family’s long era in shipbuilding and the beginning of a renewed focus on vessel operations.

In September 2018, the newly formed company Atomar—with Cihan Torlak as Chairman and Neslihan Torlak as Vice Chairman—purchased its first vessel, the M/V HAMUTO (10,373 DWT, 2005 built).

The company rapidly expanded its dry bulk capacity, acquiring the M/V ADNAN TORLAK (18,712 DWT, 2001 built) in February 2020. Today, Atomar owns two sister 18,000 DWT dry bulkers.

Launch of Atotech Marine in Hamburg

Leveraging their vast experience in shipyard management, Cihan and Neslihan Torlak launched Atotech Marine GMBH & CO KG in Hamburg, Germany.

Atotech Marine aims to serve as a solution partner for vessel repairs and new building projects, offering technical and consumable supplies to vessels passing through Turkey and the vicinity. This new venture strategically utilizes the family's deep-rooted knowledge to provide specialized support services across the maritime value chain.