Biofuels in shipping: Türkiye emerges as hub for low-carbon marine fuel as IMO and EU regulations reshape freight costs

The shipping industry is turning to biofuels as a practical near-term solution for cutting emissions, with Türkiye positioning itself as a regional supply hub. At the Biofuels in Shipping seminar in Istanbul, Arkas Bunker reported over 60 bunkering operations across 32 vessel types, supplying more than 15,000 tonnes of biofuel and cutting emissions by 14,500 tonnes. DB Tarımsal Enerji showed how waste vegetable oils can be converted into certified marine biofuel, achieving emission reductions of up to 93.7%. Carbon regulations from the IMO and EU are now directly affecting freight costs, route planning, and exporter competitiveness. The article makes clear that fuel carbon intensity is becoming a key business metric, not just an environmental goal. For anyone tracking low-carbon fuel adoption or carbon market signals in maritime transport, this is a concrete example of deployment at scale with verified results.