In 2023, we carried out Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions measurements in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol across 59 locations in 18 countries. Based on this assessment, %2 of our Emissions is coming from our offices & buildings and maritime transport made up 98% of our total emissions. Moving forward, our emission reduction targets will focus primarily on improvement initiatives within our vessel fleet.
Clean Cargo and Smart Freight Centre
Arkas Line has been the first and only member from Türkiye in the Clean Cargo Working Group (CCWG) since 2013. This global initiative, managed by the Smart Freight Center, includes 18 shipping companies representing 85% of the world’s container transportation and over 85 global customers and forwarders. Its mission is to reduce GHG emissions in container transport, fostering collaboration to reach the “2050 Net Zero” target.
Our efforts are guided by annual measurement, evaluation, verification, and reporting, with independent third-party verification of our emission data. In 2023, We achieved a 25.38% reduction in CO₂ emissions from a 2011 baseline.
Energy Efficiency and Operational Excellence
Since January 2020, all Arkas Line vessels have transitioned to Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and Ultra-Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (ULSFO), achieving an 82.8% reduction in sulphur emissions. Our greenhouse gas emission reductions are driven by energy management principles, including:
Strengthening Arkas Fleet with Eco-Design Vessels
As part of our sustainability strategy, we are expanding our fleet to 55 vessels with a total TEU capacity of 112,230 by 2028. This includes a USD 360 million investment in six new eco-design containerships from Guangzhou Wenchong Shipyard, each with a capacity of 4,300 TEU, the largest in the Arkas fleet. These vessels are equipped with a fuel performance measurement system, contributing to Arkas Line’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmentally responsible transport practices. This fleet expansion marks a critical step toward enhancing both the size and sustainability of Arkas’ operations.
Also, in 2023, we established the Operational Excellence (OpEx) department to advance our decarbonization goals and uphold regulatory compliance. The OpEx team monitors vessel energy efficiency, intervening to enhance performance and reduce emissions while aligning with international and EU standards. Their initiatives include vessel performance analysis, route and fuel optimization, and digitalizing operations across our fleet and supply chain. Additionally, OpEx manages emission taxes, explores new technologies, and oversees EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) accounts, with support from the Digital Transformation Directorate. Through these strategic actions, the OpEx unit is key to our decarbonization and operational excellence.
IT Processes with Microsoft Cloud Applications
We are committed to reducing emissions not only in our physical operations but also in our digital processes. In 2023, Arkas achieved a 99.73% reduction in emissions from cloudbased workloads, equivalent to saving 389,080 km of car travel. Since transitioning to Microsoft Azure in 2019, carbon emissions from cloud services have decreased by an average of 10% annually, despite a 63% increase in workloads. From 2019 to 2023, we reduced our Carbon Intensity (the carbon emission rate from cloud workloads) by 58%. Investments in renewable energy at Microsoft data centres played a significant role in this reduction, highlighting Arkas’ strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.”
In 2023, Arkas Holding achieved substantial environmental gains, realizing a 99.73% emission reduction in cloud-based workloads (equivalent to 389,080 km of car use).
The carbon emissions from the services that Arkas runs on the Microsoft cloud peaked in 2019 (the period when it migrated to Azure) and then showed around –10% yearly downward trend despite a +63% increase in workloads on Azure from 2019 to 2023.
The Carbon Intensity (carbon emission rate based on cloud-based workloads) value has decreased by 58% from 2019 to 2023. Investments in renewable energy sources made in Microsoft data centers have been effective in reducing this value.
These results underscore the company’s strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.