Market leader Petrol Ofisi’s PO/Marine, has successfully completed a high-profile bunkering operation for Cruise Saudi’s mega cruise ship, Aroya, at Galataport Istanbul using its newly deployed, eco-efficient supply tanker, Wolf 1. The milestone reinforces PO/Marine’s dominant 60% market share in Turkey’s cruise bunkering sector while highlighting the critical infrastructure upgrades driving the region’s premium maritime tourism growth.
Istanbul | June 23, 2026 – In a major operational milestone highlighting Turkey’s expanding role in regional cruise tourism and sustainable maritime logistics, market leader Petrol Ofisi’s PO/Marine has successfully completed a high-profile bunkering operation for the mega cruise ship Aroya at Galataport Istanbul.
The operation marks one of the first high-volume assignments for Petrol Ofisi’s newest fleet addition, the Wolf 1, a 1,750-dwt advanced supply tanker engineered with alternative fuel transportation capabilities and zero-emission infrastructure.
Crucial Tonnage for the Regional Flagship
The Aroya, operated by Cruise Saudi (a company fully owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund), is the first commercial vessel deployed under the Aroya Cruises banner to cater to the Middle Eastern and East Mediterranean premium markets. Measuring 335 meters in length and commanding a gross tonnage of 150,695 GT, the vessel can accommodate over 3,300 passengers.
Having selected Galataport Istanbul as its central homeport for the summer Mediterranean season, the vessel demands highly synchronized, efficient, and reliable port turnarounds.
Strategic Fleet Upgrades: The Wolf 1 Advantage
The bunker delivery was executed flawlessly due to the localized infrastructure provided by PO/Marine, which secures approximately 60% of all cruise bunkering operations across Turkish waters.
What makes this particular turn unique is the deployment of the Wolf 1. Launched in early 2026 out of the Hicri Ercili shipyard in Yalova, the Wolf 1 is the first in a scheduled four-vessel newbuild project designed to elevate Turkey’s sustainable marine fuels strategy. Built with 100% Turkish engineering, the tanker features forward-compatible alternative fuel infrastructure, offering international cruise lines the flexible, low-carbon compliance options they increasingly require when calling at premier Mediterranean ports.
“With our strong operational infrastructure and expert team, we continue to provide uninterrupted service to maritime tourism,” Petrol Ofisi stated. “While powering Turkey’s growth in cruise tourism, we continue to contribute to the development of our ports and maritime industry.“
Economic Tailwind for Turkish Maritime
Homeporting operations are highly coveted by destination ports. Cruise passengers departing or arriving via homeports typically generate up to six times more economic activity for the local economy compared to standard transit cruise passengers, as they invest heavily in localized hospitality, logistics, and pre-and-post-trip retail.
By providing world-class, timely marine fuel supply through high-tech assets like Wolf 1, PO/Marine ensures that Galataport Istanbul remains a highly competitive and operationally viable hub for premier global operators. As the cruise industry faces tightening regional emission limits, the pairing of premium port facilities with next-generation bunker tankers represents the exact blueprint required to sustain long-term growth in the East Mediterranean maritime sector.
About Petrol Ofisi
Founded in 1941, Petrol Ofisi is Türkiye’s leading energy company, renowned for its marine fuels division, PO/Marine. It provides ISO 8217:2017-compliant bunkering services to both domestic and international vessels, operating without excise tax across all Turkish seas.
PO/Marine stands out for its robust logistics network, customer-focused service, and environmental compliance, making it the top bunker supplier in the Eastern Mediterranean.
PO/Marine in Brief
- Operational Excellence: 24/7 bunkering services, compliance with ISO 8217:2017 standards
- Infrastructure: Seven marine terminals and one floating station covering Türkiye’s entire coastline
- Strategic Location: Serving major ports like Istanbul, Izmir, Mersin, and Aliaga, bridging Europe and Asia
- Industry Leadership: A key enabler of Türkiye’s strategic maritime ambitions and a leader in clean bunkering solutions
Source: Petrol Ofisi | PO/Marine