MARTI was initially founded in 1980 . The amicable split of the five founding partners in 1987 resulted in sole and independent operation of MARTI SHIPPING AGENCY S.A.under the ownership and management by Rifat Karakimseli.

Along with the services rendered to transit , tramp , liner and numerous other agency handlings, container services were launched within the company in 1989 so to meet the market demand for increasing container movements.

Apart from the Black Sea RO-RO line which was introduced by MARTI in 1990, the Company enhanced its sphere of activities in numerous fields. By the start of the 21st century , MARTI was already engaged in ship-owning, forwarding, logistics and joint-venture operations of various regular lines to/from Continent, Israel, Black Sea ports.