Biofuels in Maritime: Global Trade Routes Shift Toward Low-Carbon Fuels

Global trade, which forms the backbone of the world economy, is increasingly positioned at the center of a new fuel transition driven by carbon regulations and low-emission targets. The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the European Union’s regulations aimed at lowering the carbon intensity of marine fuels, and stakeholders’ expectations for sustainable supply chains are transforming marine fuels from a purely technical choice into a strategic issue. The carbon intensity of fuel is becoming a key determinant not only of ship operations, but also of freight costs, voyage planning, cargo owners’ preferences, and exporters’ competitiveness. Therefore, access to low-carbon fuels is emerging for the maritime industry not only as an environmental responsibility but also as a factor providing commercial sustainability and competitive advantage.

The opportunities created by this transformation for the Turkish maritime sector and the regional fuel supply chain were discussed at the technical seminar titled “Biofuel in Maritime: Sustainability, Technical Compliance, Operational Experience and Future Perspectives,” organized by Arkas Bunker and DB Agricultural Energy in Istanbul. At the event held at Hilton Bosphorus Istanbul, the technical requirements of biofuel use, certification processes, engine compatibility, field applications, regulatory preparations, as well as case studies and outcomes were shared, while inter-sectoral cooperation opportunities were also evaluated.

“We are talking about a model that transforms waste into a strategic energy source”

Selçuk Borovalı, Chairman of the Board of DB Agricultural Energy, emphasized in his speech that the biofuel transition creates an integrated value chain that extends not only to the maritime sector but also from waste management to agriculture, from energy to transportation and industry.

Borovalı said: “The issue we are discussing today is not merely an alternative fuel; it is a comprehensive model that transforms waste into a strategic energy source, supports the circular economy, and contributes to low-carbon growth targets. The conversion of used vegetable oils into marine fuel in a traceable, certified, and internationally compliant manner creates significant added value both environmentally and economically. In this process, it is not only important to produce biofuel, but also that the product has internationally recognized sustainability certifications.”

Stating that the green transformation in the transport sector is only possible with a reliable and traceable supply chain, Borovalı continued:

“The transition to sustainable, low-carbon fuels in maritime requires a reliable supply chain management across all stages, from raw material sourcing to production, certification, and delivery. The use of waste vegetable oils collected entirely in Türkiye strengthens raw material supply security and significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the final product. This approach is one of the key elements enhancing the competitiveness of our business model.

Since we started this journey in 2022, the model we developed together with Arkas Bunker has once again demonstrated that Türkiye can become a strong supplier and regional solution hub in sustainable marine fuels. The marine fuel we produce from waste vegetable oils collected in Türkiye fully complies with international technical standards and can be used on ships without any technical modifications. In addition, with a greenhouse gas emission reduction potential of up to 93.7 percent, it offers a strong solution that can compete with similar products in Europe. When evaluated in terms of price-performance, the model we have developed holds a highly competitive position on a global scale compared to similar applications.”

“We see biofuel as a field-proven solution”

Seçkin Gül, General Manager of Arkas Bunker, stated that the fuel transition in maritime shipping can only accelerate with solutions that are technically feasible, commercially sustainable, and compliant with regulations.

Gül said: “The transition to low-carbon fuels in maritime is no longer a long-term goal, but today’s agenda. As Arkas Bunker, we see biofuel not only as an environmental alternative but as a solution that is compatible with existing vessel infrastructure, tested in the field, and supportive of the industry’s regulatory compliance. We have been continuing our operations for more than two years. During this period, we supplied fuel to 32 different vessel types across 60 voyages, delivered more than 15,000 tons of fuel, and achieved a reduction of 14,500 tons of emissions. Our infrastructure for biofuels is ready, our products are ready, and our regulations are ready. By continuing to share this experience, which started within our own operations, with the industry, we are pleased to contribute to Türkiye’s green maritime transformation.”

Drawing attention to the fact that carbon intensity will become increasingly decisive in ship operations in the coming period, Gül said: “Carbon costs will have a growing impact on many areas, from fuel selection and voyage planning to customer preferences and financing conditions. Therefore, access to low-carbon fuels will be not only an environmental responsibility for the maritime sector but also an important part of commercial competitiveness. Strengthening Türkiye’s production, supply, and bunkering capabilities, and increasing cooperation between producers, suppliers, and users, is of great importance for regional competitiveness.”

Prof. Dr. Mustafa İnsel, in his presentation, addressed international regulations shaping the maritime sector and recent developments in biofuel usage. He emphasized that biofuels will play a critical bridging role in the transition to low-carbon fuels and highlighted the importance of taking concrete steps today for regulatory compliance.

Arkas Maritime Fleet Deputy General Manager Erdem Soyek shared Arkas’ experiences regarding biofuel usage. While presenting operational outcomes, he shared insights gained from integrating biofuels into existing ship operations with participants.

Everllence Sales Manager Serhat Hazar Sağlam discussed the practical solutions offered by biofuels in reducing carbon emissions of existing fleets. He noted that biofuels could play an important role in the maritime sector’s decarbonization process due to their compatibility with existing vessel and engine infrastructure.

OddyShip Software Consulting Co-Founder Yusuf Özcan Demir highlighted the strategic and economic advantages of biofuels compared to alternative fuels and emphasized the importance of proper supplier collaboration. He stated that biofuels stand out as a viable and accessible option for the sector due to their compatibility with existing infrastructure.

Arkas Shipping Group Sustainability Director Serra Tükel evaluated the role of biofuels in accelerating the decarbonization process in maritime transport. She emphasized the importance of operational practices and supply chain collaborations in achieving sustainability targets.

In line with the IMO’s zero-carbon target for 2050, Tükel presented Arkas Line’s decarbonization strategy, stating: “There is no single path and no single solution for decarbonization in shipping. Depending on your fleet, the geography you serve, and your priorities, you need to utilize different solutions. We see biofuels as the fastest, most effective, and most tangible solution ahead of us. We are advancing our decarbonization strategy in this direction.”

Türkiye as a low-carbon fuel supply hub opportunity

One of the key topics highlighted at the meeting was Türkiye’s potential to become a regional supply hub for low-carbon marine fuels. With its strategic geographic location, strong port infrastructure, advanced logistics network, maritime expertise, and domestic biofuel production capability, Türkiye is in a position to play an important role on the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and European shipping routes.

The model developed jointly by Arkas Bunker and DB Agricultural Energy supports this potential with concrete operational experience. It is assessed that the green transformation in maritime shipping will accelerate through stronger cooperation between the public sector, private sector, fuel producers, marine engine technology providers, shipowners, ports, logistics companies, and financial institutions.

Biofuels stand out as a practical transition solution

Among alternative fuel options, biofuels are considered one of the strongest solutions during the transition period due to their compatibility with existing vessel infrastructure and their readiness for real-world application today. Unlike many alternatives that require new vessel investments, comprehensive system changes, or long-term infrastructure transformation, biofuels offer a solution that can be integrated more quickly into existing operations.

The maritime fuel supply and field implementation experience of Arkas Bunker, combined with DB Agricultural Energy’s biofuel production and certification infrastructure, creates not only a product-based approach but an end-to-end value chain model in this field. The model, in which used vegetable oils are converted into marine fuel through traceable and certified processes, brings together waste management, renewable energy, maritime, and logistics sectors on a common platform.

This structure contributes both to the recovery of waste into the economy and to strengthening Türkiye’s position as a regional player in low-carbon fuel supply. Thus, biofuel emerges not only as an environmentally beneficial alternative, but also as a strategic solution in terms of preparation for carbon regulations, operational compliance, commercial sustainability, and domestic supply capacity.