At Arkas Line, Marine Conservation and Protecting Marine Biodiversity is one of our high priority sustainability topics. We commit to implement long term projects to conserve marine ecosystems, prevent pollution, and enhance biodiversity.
We Join the Global Call to Protect the Oceans!
As Arkas Line we have signed the “Business Call to Action for the Ocean” declaration with the invitation of UN Global Compact Network Türkiye, launched under the 3RD United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). By doing so, we have joined the global business community’s unified call to protect the oceans. This important initiative, endorsed by over 80 organizations from 25 countries, aims to create global impact and calls on the private sector to support the Sustainable Development Goals —Life Below Water (SDG 14) and Life on Land (SDG 15). It also targets the protection of at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
As Arkas Line, within this scope;
- We recognize the protection of oceans and the sustainability of marine biodiversity as our core environmental priorities.
- We play an active role in marine conservation and environmental awareness through a collaboration with TURMEPA that has continued for over 19 years.
- Since 2006, we have collected more than 2 million liters of wastewater with its dedicated vessel, contributing to the protection of approximately 18 million liters of seawater.
We embrace our responsibility to leave clean seas for future generations.
Ballast Water Treatment
Arkas Line is committed to protecting marine ecosystems through strict waste management practices. In line with our Environmental Policy, we prioritize delivering waste to port facilities instead of disposal at sea. Our vessels follow rigorous protocols, including transferring engine bilge and fuel sludge to onshore facilities and utilizing ballast water treatment systems that employ ultraviolet and filtration methods to safeguard marine life. These practices, enforced through binding employee agreements, demonstrate our dedication to reducing environmental impact and ensuring responsible waste disposal.
Arkas and Deniz Temiz Turmepa II
Having started to operate in 2006 within the scope of the project that was launched in cooperation between Arkas Holding and TURMEPA, Arkas TURMEPA II waste collection vessel proves to be a right model for such projects considering its outcomes. The direct advantage of this project is that it both contributes to keeping the bays of Cesme and the sea water clean and also prevents the regional sea habitat from degradation.
Excess heat from the atmosphere is absorbed by the oceans and seas, and studies show that seas produce 50 to 70% of the oxygen we need on earth. Conservation of seas and life below water is among the top priorities of Arkas being the leading shipping company of Türkiye. With this goal, total amount of waste collected by Arkas Turmepa II since 2006 reached over 2 million liters contributing to the continuity of life below waters as well as life on land.
Marine Life Conservation Association and “Last Refuge Marmara” Book
In 2023, as part of our sustainability priority “Marine Conservation and Protecting Marine Biodiversity,” we aimed to implement conservation projects for preserving marine ecosystems, preventing pollution, and enhancing biodiversity. In pursuit of this goal, we sponsored the book titled “Last Refuge Marmara,” which sheds light on the biodiversity of the Marmara Sea and the surrounding Black Sea, Aegean Sea, and Mediterranean Sea.
This book, which accompanies the documentary “Last Refuge Marmara” narrates the journey of DYKD (Marine Life Conservation Association) members as they explore marine life in the Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean regions. By highlighting the secrets of the Marmara Sea, the book emphasizes its significance and urgent need for protection. Through this sponsorship, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our seas and the ongoing efforts to safeguard them.
