Arkas Bunker debuts Türkiye’s first biofuel refueling

Fuel supplier Arkas Bunker has started the use of biofuel for the first time in the Turkish maritime sector by supplying Arkas Line’s containership Matilde A with Bio24F.

Although the use of fossil fuels in maritime transportation is still the primary concern, sustainability and the green economy, which are becoming increasingly important issues due to global climate change, also bring regulations.

Especially due to the regulations set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the carbon taxes imposed by the European Union, the search for environmentally friendly and carbon emission-reducing fuels has increased. Finally, with the new regulation made by EPDK, the way has been opened for the use of biofuels as marine fuels in Türkiye, Arkas Bunker stated.

Arkas Bunker supplied the Bio24F to the boxship Matilde A at Marport Port. The fuel oil used in Bio24F is a petroleum product refined in accordance with the regulations of the International Maritime Organization. It contains less sulfur than traditional high-sulfur fuels, thus reducing sulfur oxide emissions, according to the firm. Biofuels that can be used with fossil fuels and are obtained from biological sources are aimed to make a significant contribution to reducing emissions from ships.

Specifically, the Bio24F was made by blending 24% ISCC-certified used vegetable oil (UCO) with 76% very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO). The UCO component of biofuel comes from processing used vegetable oil collected from restaurants and food plants.

The company is the first in Türkiye to receive the sustainability certificate for marine fuels (ISCC).

“As Arkas Bunker, we have been working for many years to find solutions that comply with international rules and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. Since the main source of emissions is the fuel they use, we have worked intensively on sustainable marine fuels. About 3 years ago, we focused on biofuels and carried out R&D activities on biocomponents,” Arkas Bunker General Manager, Seçkin Gül, said.

“We became the first ISCC-certified marine company in Turkey by receiving the ISCC certificate in February, which is our target for 2024. Now, we are experiencing another first in marine fuels in Turkey. With our ISCC-certified product “Bio24F”, which will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships, it will now be much easier for shipowners to achieve their sustainability goals.”

“As Arkas Line, while adopting sustainability principles in every aspect of our business, we have become one of the most preferred companies in maritime transportation thanks to the work we started a long time ago to adapt to the global regulations of the sector and even to get one step ahead,” Arkas Line CEO, Can Atalay, stated.

“Turkey’s first Biofuel Bio24F was supplied to an Arkas Line ship for the first time by Arkas Bunker. As a result of the tests conducted, we observed that we could reduce carbon emissions without any changes in our ship’s fuel system. This will bring us closer to our sustainability goals while complying with regulations.”