Arkas was founded in 1902, by Gabriel J.B. Arcas as an import company based in Izmir. In 1944, Lucien G. Arcas redefined the company’s core activity, focusing on international transportation. Later on in 1964, the son Lucien Arkas took over the management who is still the president of Arkas Holding. The company underwent a name change in 1979, becoming Arkas Shipping and Transport S.A., providing agency services for global shipping lines.
In 1996, expanding its business as a shipowner, Lucien Arkas founded Emes Shipping & Transport, primarily offering Feeder Services. Business evolved with an addition of Liner services, and eventually Liner services have become the core of business and in 2009, and Arkas Container Transport S.A. (Arkas Line) was founded with a focus on “Liner Services” headquartered in Istanbul, while feeder operations continued under Emes Feedering S.R.L. headquartered in Genoa.
26 Countries
Services across The Mediterranean, Black Sea, West and North Africa, Northern Europe, East Coast of America and the Red Sea
65 Terminals Worldwide
Weekly services connecting the world
31 Vessels
20 vessels are operated by Arkas Line, 11 vessels by Emes Feedering
Top 40
One of the top 40 largest shipping companies based on operated capacity (Alphaliner)
Our Manifesto
At Arkas Line, we connect ports across the globe and continue to extend our reach into new geographies every day. We see every voyage and every shipment we carry as more than just business; each one carries a significant responsibility. That is why we handle every cargo with the utmost care and attention, working to deliver it safely, on time and with precision.
For us, transportation goes far beyond moving cargo from one point to another. What truly matters is earning our customers’ trust, every single time, and making that trust lasting. Above all, we put people at the center of everything we do. We listen to our employees, our customers and our business partners. We focus on understanding their needs and responding with the right solutions. And we see every challenge we face as an opportunity to do better, to develop new solutions and to move ourselves forward.
We care about our world and our future. We work to use our energy resources efficiently, reduce our carbon footprint and take responsibility for creating a better world to live in. We strive to protect the living standards of future generations and contribute to the well-being of society.
At Arkas Line, we are conscious of our responsibilities on a global scale. With every step we take, we prioritize sustainability, customer satisfaction and service quality. With our people-centered approach, our commitment to reliable service and our vision for sustainability, we continue to create value at sea today, just as we will tomorrow.
Because we are Arkas Line.
Our Values
Valuing People, Respecting Nature & Life…
We have been sailing on our route for generations.
Our Corporate Social Responsibility Approach
At Arkas Line, we shape our activities in the container transportation sector not only with an economic success-driven approach but also with an awareness of environmental and social responsibility. With this understanding, we aim to add value to both our sector and our community.
Aware of the environmental impact of the container transportation sector, we prioritize sustainability in our operations. Through eco-friendly supply chains and recycling programs, we continue to minimize the environmental impact of every stage of our business processes. Contributing to the development of society is part of our commitment to sustainability, which extends beyond the environment to include social responsibility. We prioritize the education and professional development of our employees, continuously improving to ensure an equal and inclusive working environment. Additionally, we collaborate with local communities and support social responsibility projects in underserved areas.
Our corporate social responsibility approach forms the foundation of how we operate. By prioritizing environmental and social benefits at every step, we will continue to add value to the container transportation sector.
Sailing Sponsorship
With our passion for the sea and our belief in the importance of water sports in our country, Arkas Line supports sailing.
As a container transportation company, we strengthen our connection to the sea not only through our business but also through sports. Our support for sailing symbolizes this deep bond with the sea.
While supporting the development of future generations as healthy individuals with a strong sports consciousness, we aim to foster an interest in sailing by creating healthy environments for young people to engage in this sport. At the same time, we aim to contribute to the spread of maritime culture and the training of future maritime professionals.
Through Arkas’ commitment to sailing, we will continue to support the development of Turkish sailing, ensuring that Turkish sailing is visible on international waters—not only with container ships and sailors but also with its sailors—and make a difference as part of our sustainable policies.
Blue Watch | Gökova
As Arkas Line, in line with our responsibility toward the protection of seas and coastal ecosystems, we support the Marine Ranger System and the Climate Crisis Impact Program carried out by the Mediterranean Conservation Foundation in Gökova.
The Gökova Gulf is one of the most valuable marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean, hosting approximately 73% of fish species recorded in Turkish waters. With its rich biodiversity, the region is of vital importance for seagrass meadows, the Mediterranean monk seal, guitarfish, and many endangered species.
To contribute to the protection of this unique ecosystem, we support Mediterranean Conservation Foundation’s scientific monitoring and field conservation efforts through the “Blue Watch | Gökova” project. Within the scope of the Marine Ranger System and the Climate Crisis Impact Program implemented by Mediterranean Conservation Foundation in Turkey’s Special Environmental Protection Areas, we sponsor two stations in Gökova, contributing to ongoing conservation activities.
Marine Ranger System
Through marine guardians and patrol boats operating in the Gökova Special Environmental Protection Area, the system aims to prevent illegal fishing in no-take zones, protect biodiversity, and support the sustainability of marine ecosystems.
Climate Crisis Impact Program
The program systematically monitors seawater temperature, pH levels, fish biomass, sensitive species, and habitats using scientific methods. The data collected contributes to understanding the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems and supports the development of effective conservation strategies.
A Long-Term Commitment to the Future of the Seas
As Arkas Line, we prioritize environmental and social impact across all regions where we operate, and we consider the protection of marine ecosystems an integral part of our sustainability approach.
Through the “Blue Watch | Gökova” project, we contribute to the monitoring of seagrass meadows, sensitive species, fish biomass, and the impacts of climate change on marine life, while also supporting the generation of scientific data that will guide regional conservation efforts.
For the life of the blue.
For the future of Gökova.
Blue Watch begins.