Istanbul, Turkiye – August 12, 2025 – In a landmark step toward sustainable shipping, Arkas Bunker, one of Türkiye’s leading marine fuel providers, has completed two major biofuel bunkering operations, delivering a combined 685 metric tons of ISCC EU-certified Bio24F fuel. These operations not only reinforce Arkas Bunker’s leadership in alternative fuel solutions but also mark a significant milestone in the maritime industry’s broader push toward decarbonization.
Dual Bunkering Milestones Reflect Operational Versatility and Regulatory Readiness
Arkas Bunker’s two recent deliveries demonstrate not only its technical agility but also its readiness to support vessels operating under newly enforced emission regulations, particularly the Mediterranean Emission Control Area (Med-ECA), which officially came into effect on May 1, 2025.
- On July 26, 2025, the M/T Ulucak delivered 500 tons of Bio24F (0.1% sulfur) to the Carlos Fischer, a reefer vessel operated by CITROSUCO. This ultra-low sulfur biofuel blend is fully compliant with the new Med-ECA sulfur limit, enabling safe navigation across the Mediterranean Sea without violating international emissions standards. The operation reflects Arkas Bunker’s strategic preparedness in the face of tightening environmental regulations.
- On August 7, 2025, the M/T Alsancak 2 supplied 185 tons of Bio24F (3.5% sulfur) to the T.Adalyn, a scrubber-equipped tanker operated by DİTAŞ, a subsidiary of KOÇ Holding. This delivery underscores Arkas Bunker’s flexible product offering, tailored for vessels equipped with exhaust gas cleaning systems operating outside ECAs or under permissible scrubber regimes.
The entry into force of Med-ECA is expected to drive significant demand for 0.1% sulfur fuels, particularly those with sustainable attributes like Bio24F. Arkas Bunker is well-positioned to meet this demand through its established infrastructure, certified supply chain, and proven product performance.
Expanding the Frontiers of Clean Bunkering
Established in 2006, Arkas Bunker has steadily grown into a critical supplier in the Eastern Mediterranean marine fuel market. Headquartered in Istanbul, the company’s strategic focus spans Marmara Sea ports, with reach extending into the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions—supported by a modern and flexible fleet of six double-hull tankers totaling 14,751 DWT.
Among these is the technologically advanced M/T Bayraklı, equipped with a bow thruster system and high-capacity pumps, enabling rapid turnaround times for large-tonnage refueling. This capability is a key enabler of Arkas Bunker’s agility in servicing diverse vessel types under tight scheduling constraints.
Bio24F: Bridging Practicality and Environmental Compliance
At the heart of Arkas Bunker’s sustainability strategy lies Bio24F, a next-generation marine fuel consisting of 24% used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME) blended with 76% Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO). Certified under the ISCC EU framework, Bio24F is designed to be a “drop-in” biofuel—requiring no onboard modifications—thus presenting an immediate, cost-effective solution for vessel operators targeting IMO 2030 decarbonization objectives.
Bio24F was initially tested and validated on Arkas Line vessels under controlled operational conditions. Following its successful deployment, the company has now opened Bio24F distribution to the wider shipping community, demonstrating both supply chain readiness and customer confidence.
Sustained Leadership in Maritime Energy Transition
Since its founding, Arkas Bunker has supplied more than 7 million tons of marine fuel to over 23,000 vessels, cementing its reputation as one of the most trusted and capable bunker suppliers in Türkiye and the wider Eastern Mediterranean.
Through a fully integrated approach that blends logistical precision, innovative fuel technologies, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, Arkas Bunker continues to lead the charge in one of maritime shipping’s most complex challenges: achieving meaningful emissions reduction without compromising operational performance.
As global and regional regulations—such as the newly enforced Mediterranean Emission Control Area (Med-ECA)—demand cleaner alternatives to conventional fuels, Arkas Bunker’s recent dual Bio24F deliveries serve as a powerful demonstration that sustainable shipping is no longer a future aspiration—it is a present-day, scalable solution.
Reinforcing this leadership is Arkas Bunker’s distinction as the first company in Türkiye to be awarded the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC EU) for marine fuels. This globally recognized certification attests to the sustainability, transparency, and traceability of Arkas Bunker’s biofuel supply chain, in full alignment with EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) standards.re a vital reality: sustainable shipping is not a distant vision, but a current and scalable practice.
About Arkas Bunker
A subsidiary of Arkas Holding, Arkas Bunker was founded in 2006 with a mission to deliver safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible marine fuel solutions. The company’s core offerings include Marine Gas Oil (MGO), Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), Ultra Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (ULSFO), and its flagship biofuel, Bio24F. With a robust fleet and an expanding operational footprint, Arkas Bunker is the first ISCC-certified bunker supplier in Türkiye, leading the nation’s transition toward a cleaner maritime fuel ecosystem.
Source Arkas Holding