Arkas Bunker, a leading provider of marine fuel solutions, has made a groundbreaking achievement, introducing biofuels for the first time in the Turkish maritime industry. With the replenishment of Arkas Line’s container vessel Matilde A at Marport Port, the company launched “Bio24F,” a marine fuel produced entirely from Turkish waste and composed of environmentally friendly biocomponents. This innovative fuel significantly reduces carbon emissions while meeting industry regulations, all without requiring modifications to the vessel’s fuel system.
The milestone reflects Arkas Bunker’s commitment to sustainability, as the marine industry faces increasing pressure from global regulations and environmental concerns. While fossil fuels remain dominant in maritime transport, the shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives is accelerating due to global climate change. Regulatory bodies like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union’s carbon taxes have driven the search for lower-emission, greener fuels. In line with this, Türkiye’s Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA) has also paved the way for biofuels to be used as marine fuel, creating a new horizon for sustainable maritime operations.
Pioneering Sustainability in Marine Fuels
Arkas Bunker is the first company in Türkiye to receive the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) in marine fuels, a distinction that solidifies its leadership in the sector. The launch of “Bio24F” represents a significant breakthrough, aligning with the company’s long-term sustainability goals. This development underscores Arkas Bunker’s role as a key player in driving the maritime industry toward a greener future.
From R&D to Industry Firsts
Seçkin Gül, General Manager of Arkas Bunker, shared insights into the company’s journey towards this achievement “As Arkas Bunker, we have been dedicated to finding sustainable solutions that meet international regulations and reduce ships’ greenhouse gas emissions. Given that fuel is the main source of these emissions, we have spent years developing sustainable marine fuels. About three years ago, we began R&D activities focusing on biofuels. In February, we achieved ISCC certification, becoming Türkiye’s first ISCC-certified shipping company. Today, we are proud to launch Bio24F, a product that will substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make it easier for shipowners to meet their sustainability goals. With our expert technical team and experience as Türkiye’s largest container ship operator, we are continuously developing new products.”
This biofuel breakthrough has been years in the making, combining rigorous research, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability. Arkas Bunker’s Bio24F, certified by the ISCC, represents a pivotal moment for the Turkish maritime sector, offering shipowners a tangible solution to achieve their environmental targets.
Arkas Line: Leading the Way in Sustainable Shipping
Arkas Line, the shipping arm of the Arkas Group, is equally committed to sustainability. Can Atalay, CEO of Arkas Line, expressed his pride in this historic achievement “At Arkas Line, sustainability has been at the core of our business strategy for years. We have always aimed not just to comply with global regulations but to lead the way. Today, we are proud to be the first in Türkiye to use Bio24F, supplied by Arkas Bunker. The trials have shown that we can significantly reduce carbon emissions without any modifications to our vessel’s fuel system. This achievement brings us closer to our sustainability goals while ensuring compliance with industry regulations.”
Arkas Line’s embrace of Bio24F marks an essential step in its ongoing efforts to align with global sustainability trends, while reinforcing its leadership in Turkish maritime transport.
The Innovative Composition of Bio24F
Bio24F is a blend of 24% used cooking oil (UCO) and 76% very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO). This ISCC-certified fuel is designed to offer significant environmental benefits, particularly in terms of reducing lifecycle carbon emissions. The UCO component is derived from waste collected from restaurants and food facilities, making Bio24F a strategic advancement in marine fuel technology.
This innovative fuel helps reduce sulfur oxide emissions, thanks to its low sulfur content, in line with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations. Biofuels like Bio24F, which can be used alongside traditional fossil fuels, offer a practical solution to reducing ships’ environmental footprint, supporting global efforts to combat climate change.
A Vision for the Future
As the maritime industry navigates increasingly stringent environmental regulations, Arkas Bunker’s innovative Bio24F fuel positions it at the forefront of sustainable maritime solutions. With its pioneering work in biofuels, Arkas Bunker is setting new standards in the Turkish marine fuel sector and providing shipowners with the tools they need to meet their sustainability commitments.
About Arkas Bunker
Founded in 2006, Arkas Bunker is a leading provider of marine fuel solutions, known for its fast, reliable, and environmentally responsible services. As Türkiye’s first ISCC-certified marine fuel supplier, the company operates a fleet of six double-hull tankers and has supplied fuel to over 25,000 vessels. With a focus on sustainability, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence, Arkas Bunker continues to drive innovation in the Turkish maritime industry.