Marine Conservation and Protecting Biodiversity

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.

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.