Turkiye – Petrol Ofisi – The Mediterranean Sea, a vital artery of global trade, has embarked on a new era of environmental stewardship. As of May 1, 2025, Türkiye has officially joined the ranks of nations adhering to the stringent regulations of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Emission Control Area (ECA).
This pivotal development mandates the use of ultra-low sulfur fuels, reshaping the bunkering landscape and driving a profound shift toward sustainable maritime practices. At the forefront of this transformation is Petrol Ofisi Group, Türkiye’s leading marine fuel supplier, which has not only met but exceeded the new requirements with the successful production of its first Ultra-Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (ULSFO).
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The Significance of ULSFO Production
The implementation of the ECA in the Mediterranean necessitates a dramatic reduction in sulfur emissions from ships’ exhaust. The new regulation requires marine fuels to have a sulfur content of no more than 0.10% by mass, a significant decrease from the previous 0.50% global limit (VLSFO). This measure is crucial for mitigating the detrimental effects of sulfur oxides (SOx) on air quality, human health, and marine ecosystems.
Petrol Ofisi Group’s move to produce ULSFO is a strategic and proactive response to this regulatory change. The company had already demonstrated its commitment to the new standards by delivering ECA-compliant fuel with 0.10% sulfur content in April. However, the successful production at its Derince terminal in Kocaeli elevates the company’s capabilities from a mere supplier to a key player in the production and supply chain of sustainable fuels.
Operational and Market Impact
The production of ULSFO at the Derince terminal represents a significant expansion of Petrol Ofisi Group’s operational flexibility. The terminal, which previously handled diesel, Distillate Marine Fuel (DMA), and Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), now has enhanced capabilities for ULSFO production and storage. This diversification is a testament to the company’s robust infrastructure and its ability to adapt swiftly to evolving market demands.
The market response to Petrol Ofisi Group’s initiative has been overwhelmingly positive. In its inaugural month, the company sold over 10,000 tons of ULSFO, capturing more than 20% of the transit heavy fuel oil market demand. This remarkable achievement underscores the high demand for compliant fuels and highlights Petrol Ofisi Group’s credibility and reliability in the bunkering sector.
Vision for the Future
Sibel Elekdağ Yeşiltepe, Petrol Ofisi Group’s Senior Supply Operations Manager, provided insightful commentary on this milestone. “Türkiye’s inclusion in the Mediterranean Emission Control Area has significantly increased the demand for low-sulfur fuels,” she stated. “We quickly adapted to this change, prioritized operational safety, and launched our product testing processes.”
Yeşiltepe further elaborated on the collaborative effort that made this success possible: “Thanks to the meticulous efforts of our Terminal Operations and Supply teams, we successfully completed our first ULSFO production at our Derince facility in Kocaeli.”
This internal synergy highlights the company’s comprehensive approach to overcoming logistical and technical challenges.
The long-term vision articulated by Yeşiltepe is particularly compelling. “By combining our production technology with our supply strength, we are taking pioneering steps toward a more sustainable future in our sector,” she explained. “We are offering uninterrupted and fast ULSFO supply to both domestic and transit vessels. We take great pride in contributing to the sustainable fuel ecosystem.“
Looking Ahead
Petrol Ofisi Group’s foray into ULSFO production is more than just a business development; it is a significant step toward a cleaner and more sustainable maritime industry in the Mediterranean. By integrating production, storage, and supply, the company is not only meeting regulatory requirements but also establishing a new benchmark for environmental responsibility in the bunkering sector. This initiative positions Petrol Ofisi Group as a visionary leader, driving the industry toward a greener future and reinforcing Türkiye’s role as a key player in the global effort to combat climate change and protect our oceans.
PO/Marine in brief
Since its foundation in 1941, Petrol Ofisi, Türkiye’s leading fuel company, has propelled the marine industry forward. Thanks to decades of experience, a robust infrastructure, and a customer-oriented approach, PO/Marine effectively meets the diverse demands of the marine industry. By prioritizing safety and adherence to ISO standards 8217:2017, PO/Marine provides 24/7 bunkering services to both domestic and international customers, with no excise tax.
PO/Marine stands out as the leading bunker supplier in the Eastern Mediterranean, offering a diverse range of products, logistics capacity, and market efficiency. With seven marine terminals and one floating station positioned along Türkiye’s entire coastline, PO/Marine is the only brand capable of supplying bunker fuel in all Turkish seas.
Türkiye’s strategic location, bridging Europe and Asia, positions it as a vital maritime and bunkering hub. The country’s major ports—including Istanbul, Izmir, Mersin, and Aliaga—play key roles in global trade, supported by a growing bunkering sector that serves thousands of vessels annually.
Source Petrol Ofisi – PO/Marine