Turkey could become a regional hub for marine biofuels

Turkey is strengthening its position in the low-carbon marine fuel market amid growing demand from the global shipping industry. Biofuels are increasingly viewed as one of the most practical and readily available solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting new environmental requirements in maritime transport.

Additional momentum for the sector comes from new regulations introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union. These rules are pushing shipping companies to consider the carbon intensity of fuels, affecting freight costs, route planning, and exporters’ competitiveness.

Turkish company DB Tarımsal Enerji is expanding the production of marine biofuel made from used cooking oil (UCO) collected across the country. According to the company, the use of this fuel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 93.7% compared to conventional marine fuels.

Meanwhile, Arkas Bunker has completed more than 60 biofuel bunkering operations for 32 vessel types. The company has supplied over 15,000 tonnes of biofuel, helping to cut emissions by approximately 14,500 tonnes.

With established production capacity, certified supply chains, and ready-to-use infrastructure, Turkey has the potential to become a key regional supplier of sustainable marine fuels. The development of this sector also creates new opportunities for used cooking oil collection and recycling while supporting the growth of Türkiye’s bioenergy industry.

Tags: biofuel, used cooking oil