Yaman Sen comes from the second-generation owners of MED Marine and YMN Tankers. The family business is based in Istanbul, Turkey. There are 13 modern tankers under management from 8,000 dwt to 26,000 dwt.
After finishing a global business degree in London, Yaman Sen enjoyed work experience In Clarksons, and took part in the Galbraith’s shipping course before joining the family business.
What most attracted you to shipping?
Since I was a child, I have been in love with the sea. It is a family business and I enjoy being at sea.
What, in shipping, are you looking forward to learning more about?
I am looking forward to understanding the drive for decarbonisation, and all the regulations that are coming. I would like to understand why this on the shoulders of the shipowners and not the charterers.
The best piece of advice you have been given?
That has to be: “Never look back, and if the mistake is honest, try to learn from it.”
The first time you went to sea, and the most recent time?
I was too young to remember, but I have been told I was fascinated with the view, the sea and the whole experience. The last was a month visiting one our vessels at anchorage, and I have seen how hard it is to stay away from your loved ones for months at a time.
“If the mistake is honest, try to learn from it”
Your favourite location?
Bodrum and also the Greek islands, such as Symi and Mykonos.
Your ideal wheels: Lambo, Tesla, Uber or Cervélo?
The Prancing Horse, of course.
Your ideal weekend?
Fish and raki with my friends.
The thing you find funniest about shipping?
The rates before 2008 – is this a myth? Why wasn’t I born earlier!
Things you would like to change about shipping?
Shipping contributes relatively little to climate change and I would like to change the perception of the general public and the regulators who apply pressure to the industry. The industry provides a valued, and in most cases, irreplaceable service.
We invest a huge amount in new vessels. We want at least five to 10 years’ commitment – from the charterers, regulators and politicians – to respect our investment.
