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Yahya Karahasan
Founder & Managing Director
The maritime sector is a complex industry that connects businesses across transport, logistics, regulations, engineering, technology, finance, and insurance. With these components closely intertwined, navigating this field requires expertise, adaptability, and a deep understanding of its evolving landscape. Drawing on decades of industry experience, Yahya Karahasan established a firm that provides sustainable shipping consultancy services to help clients navigate these challenges and operate with confidence.
With over 35 years of industry experience spanning both academics and professional practice, Yahya has held key roles at leading global firms. As the founder of YK Bulkers, a global ship-owning and dry bulk operating company, and Sotka Bulk, a specialized shipping consultancy, he continues to shape the industry with his expertise. Beyond business, he actively contributes to the maritime sector as a panelist at major industry forums such as Marine Money, Bloomberg, and Tradewinds dry cargo events, while also writing for global newspapers and magazines.
Give a brief account about your professional background and experience. What is the motivation that fuels your daily routines?
I have spent over 3 decades in the shipping industry, including both my academics and professional experience. I hold a postgraduate degree in Shipping and Transport Management and a Master’s in International Trade and Transport from UK-based universities.
My career began in the UK at Zodiac Maritime, a ship-owning company. I then moved to Singapore and joined the Norwegian shipbroking firm RS Platou, where I became a partner and oversaw dry cargo chartering. I later established the company’s offices in Istanbul and Geneva. In late 2011, I joined SSY’s Singapore office is an executive partner.
Our success is driven not only by achieving business objectives but also by meeting the needs of our people and communities while actively protecting the environment for future generations
Currently, I manage my own ship-owning and dry bulk operating company, YK Bulkers, in Singapore. I also own a shipping consultancy firm, Sotka Bulk, providing services to exclusive clients.
What drives me daily is the dynamic nature of my work, which is connecting with business associates and global networks across time zones. The opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and partners worldwide is both stimulating and deeply fulfilling.
How does YK Bulkers integrate sustainability into its operations, and how do your leadership values support this approach?
At YK Bulkers, our strategy for sustainable growth is rooted in continuous improvement across key areas like quality, health and safety, business excellence, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. This approach is guided by our core values of effective management and transparency.
We firmly believe that our success is driven not only by achieving business objectives but also by meeting the needs of our people and communities, while actively protecting the environment for future generations.
As a leader, I’m straight forward and transparent in my approach. I treat my colleagues as family members, encouraging open dialogue and rewarding excellence.
How do you align yourself with ongoing industry trends?
I stay informed about current trends by regularly reading key industry publications, participating in global seminars, and engaging in ongoing conversations with industry leaders and specialists. This approach allows me to stay ahead of trends and guide my organization toward future success.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
I have established an internationally recognized and reputable company with business partners across the globe. Going forward, I aim to expand the company further and create a lasting legacy for future generations.
What advice would you give to the budding industry leaders?
My advice to budding industry leaders is to maintain professionalism and uphold integrity in all aspects of business management.
When it comes to decision-making, I believe, "It's better to let go and feel regret than to hold on and regret not acting sooner".
Yahya Karahasan, Founder & Managing Director, YK Bulkers
With over 35 years of industry experience spanning both academics and professional practice, Yahya Karahasan has held key roles at leading global firms. Having worked and lived in the UK, Turkey, Singapore, and Switzerland, Yahya has developed a broad international perspective, leading his company with expertise in the maritime and shipping industries.
Hobbies: Football and Cooking
Favorite Cuisine: Japanese and Thai
Favorite Book: The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak
Favorite Travel Destination: Japan