Yaman Sen, General Manager of YMN Tanker, Med Marine Holding Group, leads a revolution powered by tugboats defined by innovation, strength, and environmental performance.
You started 2025 with five new contracts in Italy, Greece, and Spain. What does this expansion mean for Med Marine? Is it a shift to a more international model, or just a continuation of your European strategy?
We’ve had a strong start to the year with five new contracts in Italy, Greece, and Spain – this shows our solid presence in Europe. These deals reflect the trust we’ve built and our commitment to key maritime markets.
We’re not changing our strategy. We’ve always maintained strong ties with countries like Greece, Italy and Spain. Our focus is on offering specialized and sustainable solutions at a time when the shipping industry is moving toward greener technologies.
We aim to be the partner that clients rely on when they’re looking for modern and efficient vessels. Being active in these markets helps us meet both current needs and future challenges.
The "Iron Dove” tugboat you built for Svitzer runs on HVO and other cleaner fuels. Do you see tugboats as a testing platform for green shipping solutions?
Absolutely. Tugboats may be small, but they work hard and under many different conditions, so they’re perfect for testing new green technologies. The "Iron Dove,” which was delivered to Australia, is the first tug in the EMEA region built to run on HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil). It can also run on other clean fuels, giving operators flexibility to meet environmental rules.
Overall, tugboats are great for real-world trials, and they help push green tech forward in the shipping world.
Your design portfolio includes everything from small tugs to powerful LNG escort vessels. How do you manage that kind of flexibility in design?
The key is our shipyard in Ereğli. It’s modern, equipped with the latest tech, and can handle multiple projects at the same time.
We can build both standardized and fully customized ships. Our design and production teams work closely together to make sure each vessel fits its exact role – whether it’s for harbor use or high-power LNG escort.
At the same time, we’re investing in new technologies, growing our expertise, and working with international class societies to offer future-ready solutions.
As one of Turkey’s biggest shipyards with military certifications and top-level partnerships, how important is the balance between quality, reliability, and technology?
Finding the right balance between quality, reliability, and advanced technology is critical. Our shipyard can handle everything from basic builds to complex projects. Our military certifications show our high standards, and working with global shipping companies pushes us to keep innovating. Clients want vessels that are reliable, cutting-edge, and ready for real-world conditions.
Your latest partnership with Vernicos Scafi strengthens your presence in Greece. Do you see Greece as a strategic hub for innovative shipbuilding in the Eastern Mediterranean?
Greece has always been a key player in shipping – not just because of its fleet, but also due to the technical know-how and vision of its entrepreneurs.
As the region shifts toward more efficient and sustainable shipbuilding, Greece is naturally a strategic hub.
Our partnership with Greek companies like Vernicos Scafi shows we share the same vision: modern, green, and versatile vessels. We focus on the specific needs of Greek ports and routes, making sure our ships are tailor-made for the job.
With over 200 projects completed and constant investment in knowledge, how do you see the future of shipbuilding? Will technologies like AI and automation change how tugboats are designed and built?
Shipbuilding is clearly heading toward more sustainable and tech-driven solutions. Our experience with over 200 projects shows that AI and automation are already changing everything – from design to production. AI helps us design ships that use less fuel and perform better, while automation cuts down on errors and delivery times. Tools like digital twins let us test ships virtually before building them.
It’s not just about the tech itself, it’s how we use it. Tugboats are vital to port operations and need power, precision, and reliability. We’re improving our processes to optimize energy use, reduce environmental impact, and manage costs.
With rising competition from China, the Middle East, and Africa, investing in technology is the only way to stay ahead. For us, it’s not just about keeping up, it’s about setting new standards for the industry.
You’ve built trusted relationships with big names like Svitzer, P&O, and Vernicos Scafi. What does it take to build and maintain trust in such a demanding industry?
Trust isn’t built with words – it’s built with consistency, reliability, and innovation. At Med Marine, we don’t just meet the specs – we aim to exceed them, with top-quality construction, cutting-edge technology, and custom-fit solutions.
Our partnerships with companies like Svitzer, P&O, and Vernicos Scafi reflect that approach. These collaborations help us grow, adapt, and stay modern.
To keep that trust, we stay ahead of the game – in regulations, in tech, and in market needs. We’re not just building ships; we’re building the future of shipping.
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